Graphic bodycam footage of OPP officer's killing crucial for Crown and defence
CBC
WARNING: This story contains disturbing video and graphic descriptions of violence, as well as coarse language
A crucial video has been shown at the trial of Alain Bellefeuille — who shot and killed an Ontario Provincial Police officer and wounded two others outside Ottawa in 2023 — that takes the jury to the heart of the central question in play.
Did Bellefeuille know he was shooting at police when he repeatedly opened fire?
Footage from the body-worn camera of Sgt. Eric Mueller, who died at the scene, contains moments important to both the Crown and defence. And it provides a rare glimpse at what police sometimes face when responding to calls.
Bellefeuille has pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder, and the charges against him have not been proven. But it's not in dispute that he shot and killed Mueller. And there's no question that he shot and critically wounded Const. Marc Lauzon — who lived — and fired shots towards Const. François Gamache-Asselin that caused lacerations to his knee.
With the judge's permission, CBC News obtained portions of Mueller's bodycam video. CBC is publishing part of the footage below, with the warning that it depicts graphic violence from the perspective of the mortally wounded officer.
The video includes coarse language, gunshots, disturbing images and sound.
This article also includes graphic descriptions of a violent event as it unfolds.
In the early morning hours on May 11, 2023, Mueller, Lauzon and Gamache-Asselin responded to a noise complaint and performed a wellness check on Bellefeuille at his home on Laval Street in Bourget, Ont., about an hour's drive east of downtown Ottawa.
Mueller's bodycam was activated at 2:28 a.m. The video shows him turning his cruiser up a lane to Bellefeuille's house.
Ahead of him, Lauzon is in his own cruiser with his lights flashing. The first officer on scene, Lauzon has already spoken with the neighbours and tried phoning Bellefeuille without success.
The two officers park. Lauzon turns off his flashing lights, leaving his bright white takedown light illuminating the house and driveway.
The house is dark, but a porch light is on.
Lauzon's siren is blaring loudly as he and Mueller step out of their vehicles, and the two officers exchange words in French.
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