Man found guilty of first-degree murder of OPP officer

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An Eastern Ontario man was found guilty of murder for the deadly shooting of an Ontario Provincial Police officer during a wellness check two years ago.

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The jury in l’Orignal also found Alain Bellefeuille guilty of two counts of attempted murder after two other OPP officers were injured in the shooting during a standoff at the man’s home in Bourget – about 50 km east of Ottawa – on May 11, 2023.

Bellefeuille’s lawyer said he was handed a life sentence for first-degree murder and two 20-year sentences for attempted murder, to be served concurrently, with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Sgt. Eric Mueller was killed and Consts. Marc Lauzon and Francois Gamache-Asselin were injured in the shooting after a neighbour called 911 saying they thought they heard a gunshot and were worried Bellefeuille may have committed suicide.

A joint statement released by OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, Ontario Provincial Police Association President John Cerasuolo, and the victim’s family explains Mueller stood for “an unwavering commitment to the community and to the safety and protection of others.”

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“It also acknowledges the life-changing impact felt by Provincial Constables Marc Lauzon and Francois Gamache-Asselin, who exhibited the highest standard of bravery in the face of life-threatening and life-altering danger.”

The joint statement also thanks emergency responders for their swift and courageous actions that prevented further harm.

However, the trial took an emotional toll on the families and fellow officers affected.

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“For nearly nine weeks, the emotional testimonies and public release of body worn camera footage have significantly intensified the emotional impact we have all felt since that heartbreaking day in 2023.”

“It has been especially difficult for Sergeant Eric Mueller’s family, our two wounded officers, our OPP members and their loved ones,” the statement reads. “Sergeant Mueller was a dedicated officer who served the people of Ontario for 21 years. His legacy and the impact he had on his community continues on.”

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Mueller was a 42-year-old father of two children.

The trial saw Mueller’s bodycam footage played in court after prosecutors explained the trio of officers who responded to Bellefeuille’s home knocked a total of 64 times, including the back porch door and bedroom window, before entering the unlocked front door.

The court heard Bellefeuille was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and waited until the officers were in his sights before firing eight of nine bullets, striking Mueller fatally, severely wounding Lauzon and injuring Gamache-Asselin in the leg.

“You f—– with the wrong motherf—–, should never have broken into my house,” Bellefeuille is heard saying in the video as he leaned in closer to the dying Mueller lying on the floor.

Bellefeuille testified in his own defence that he thought the officers were intruders.

— with files from the Ottawa Citizen

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