Man found guilty of attempted murder after stabbing at Longueuil, Que., courthouse | CBC
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The man who stabbed a court interpreter at a courthouse on Montreal’s South Shore in January 2024 was found guilty Monday morning of attempted murder and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
According to the judge, there is no doubt that the accused, Alexandre Garcès, suffered from mental health issues for many years, including Tourette syndrome, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and autism.
However, the judge ruled that his health conditions were not enough to absolve him of criminal responsibility, since he was capable of understanding that his actions were wrong.
Garcès stabbed Hai Thach several times at the Longueuil, Que., courthouse on Jan. 9, 2024. At the time, investigators said they believed that the victim was chosen at random.
It appears that Garcès attacked Thach out of vengeance against a society he felt had ruined his life, according to the judge.
Garcès had been placed in a youth protection rehabilitation centre at the age of 14 following several violent episodes directed at family members.
The defendant’s father, mother and sister were all present in the courtroom for the verdict.