A Laval resident accused of murdering a crowded pizzeria on Dix30 has finally succeeded in putting doubt in the minds of a jury, ultimately acquitting him of first-degree murder.
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• Read more: Murder at DIX30 Pizzeria: A police officer’s skill was able to find the revolver
Joseph Sarroino, a 29-year-old Laval resident, faces life in prison in connection with the May 10, 2019, massacre at Pizzeria Sophia in the Dix30 district.
That day, Eric Francis de Sousa, 24, was attending a birthday party with friends when a masked man entered the restaurant.
Courtesy image
Joshua Sarroino
Walking with a firm stride and holding a green plastic bag containing a revolver in his hands, the killer approached the victim and executed him with a bullet to the back of the head, causing panic among the customers.
Photographs filed in court
Photo filed at the trial of Joshua Sarroino, accused in the alleged murder of Eric Francis De Sousa at Pizzeria Sophia in the Dix30 district of Brossard on May 10, 2019. The revolver used in the crime can be seen in the photograph and was found on the terrace. Courtesy Courtesy
In all, the shooter was only in the pizzeria for eight seconds.
Insufficient evidence
According to the prosecutor’s theory, the killer removed his weapon, got into a white car, which was soon found burnt out.
But while the killer’s face was never seen by Dix30’s surveillance cameras, investigators found traces of fingerprints and DNA on the exhibits.
According to experts, this linked them to Saroino, which led to his arrest.
This “circumstantial” evidence, however, is not sufficient to establish guilt.
Through rigorous cross-examination, Me Daniel Roy from the defense succeeded in creating doubt among the heads of the jury.
This ultimately led to Sarroino’s not guilty verdict because the citizens responsible for trying him did not believe in his guilt.
Photo from KaneF obituary site
Eric Francis de Sousa – victim
THE CROWN REPRESENTED BY MRS.There are Tian Meng, Patrick Ostiguy and Richard Rougeau have 30 days to appeal the decision if they wish.
The trial was presided over by Judge Pierre Labrie.
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