During the final day of her murder trial in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Paris Laroche, 28, was accused by the Crown prosecutor of not showing signs of being a victim of abuse and acting in self-defence when she allegedly killed and dismembered her boyfriend who had threatened to kill her.
In her trial at B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Paris Laroche, 28, sat in the prisoner’s docket as prosecutor Nick Barber made his statement on why she should be convicted of charges of first degree murder and interfering with human remains related to the March 2020 killing of her ex, Sidney Mantee, 32.
The trial revealed that the 5-foot-5 woman hit Mantee, who was a head taller and about 100 lbs. heavier, in the head with a hammer while he was sleeping. She then dismembered his remains over six months using a sledgehammer, household knives and a saw before disposing of the body parts in city parks in Nanaimo and the Pacific Ocean.
Barber displayed a large claw hammer and sledgehammer, stating that Laroche used them in the crimes to emphasize her intention and capability.
Barber emphasized to Justice Robin Baird that Laroche was not a weak and vulnerable woman, pointing to the significant items used in the crimes.
He highlighted that Laroche admitted to using the sledgehammer to remove parts while the body was in the bathtub, which was revealed after undercover police officers befriended her to gain information.
Laroche’s lawyer, Glen Orris, had previously stated that Mantee assaulted Laroche and had caused damage to the apartment.
However, Barber argued that it was equally possible that the damage was caused by Laroche, describing her as a “strong-willed and physically strong woman.”
Barber also argued that Laroche’s behavior did not indicate fear of leaving Mantee due to his threats, nor did it suggest that she had no other choice but to kill him to save herself. For instance, she did not document the abuse in her journal the night before the killing.
On the day before the March 5 killing, she wrote about going to the ocean with her crystals and lighting an “abundance candle” while expressing her intention to end the relationship.
Barber questioned why Laroche did not write something more severe if she was in an abusive relationship.
During his closing statements, Orris argued that Laroche lived under constant threats of death to herself, her family, friends, and cats due to Mantee’s threats. He referenced cases of women acquitted under the battered spouse defense.
Orris suggested that Laroche did not think through her plan to kill Mantee, considering that she had to deal with his body and purchase tools to dismember it, leading him to argue that the manslaughter charge would be more fitting than first degree murder, which requires proven premeditation and carries an automatic life sentence without parole eligibility.
He proposed that the more appropriate charge would be manslaughter rather than first degree murder because it necessitates proven premeditation and carries an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The barber stated in court that there were no specific instances provided of how or when Laroche was abused by Mantee. He noted that her journal entries after the killing described her detailed actions with the body parts, including cleaning behind the heat registers and disposing of the mattress.
There was proof of abuse in the relationship, but it was not extensive enough to justify her actions, according to Barber.
Baird spoke directly to Laroche at the end of the trial, informing her that he had a lot of evidence to review and couldn't predict how long it would take to reach a verdict.
He assured Laroche that he would carefully consider the case before making a decision.
The next court date is scheduled for June 26 to determine the sentencing date.
Related
- Trial testimony reveals that a woman from B.C. who is accused of killing her boyfriend remained silent when questioned by the police about him.
- A friend of the B.C. woman, who admitted to killing her boyfriend, testified in court that he was abusive.
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