Rivard Trial Accelerated in Valérie Leblanc Murder Case

The trial of Stéphane Rivard, accused of the 2011 murder of Valérie Leblanc, is proceeding with an expedited timeline after the Crown filed a direct indictment, bypassing a preliminary inquiry. The decision aims to expedite the legal process for a case that has deeply impacted the region and left the victim’s family seeking answers for 15 years.

Direct Indictment Explained

A direct indictment is an exceptional measure, according to prosecutor Me Antoine Desaulniers. It eliminates the preliminary inquiry stage, which typically assesses whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) confirmed a privileged indictment was filed in court on Tuesday, utilizing discretionary power vested in the Director as Deputy Attorney General.

Rationale for Expedited Proceedings

Desaulniers cited two primary reasons for requesting the direct indictment. First, the case has had a significant and lasting impact on the community. Second, the Crown believes the evidence against Rivard is “remarkably strong.” The DPCP must determine both a reasonable prospect of conviction and that the public interest justifies this procedure before granting consent for a direct indictment.

Case Background

Stéphane Rivard was formally charged on October 1, 2025, with the premeditated murder of Valérie Leblanc. Leblanc’s body was discovered on August 23, 2011, in a wooded area near the Gabrielle-Roy campus of the Cégep de l’Outaouais. The autopsy revealed she died from head trauma and her body had been mutilated and burned.

Potential Penalties

If convicted of the most serious charge under the Canadian Criminal Code, Rivard faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

Next Steps

The case is scheduled to resume on March 19, 2026, at the Gatineau courthouse for the opening of the assizes term.