Michael Bourget was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Jenilee Rose Ballantyne.
Justice Gerald Chartier concluded that Bourget, who said he was acting in self-defence, meant to cause bodily harm to 22-year-old Ballantyne.
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It was in January 2013 that her body was found stuffed in a hockey bag in the in the trunk of Bourget's car.
The defence claimed that Bourget, who was 28 years old at the time, was attacked by Ballantyne and that he was trying to protect himself. They also tried to make the case that he had consumed a significant amount of drugs and alcohol and was too intoxicated to form the necessary intent to commit murder.
However, Chartier said that Bourget did not have any injuries from the altercation and there was no sufficient evidence showing that he has acted in self-defence.
He explained though that Bourget’s actions prove that he meant to cause Ballantyne bodily harm, and did not seek medical attention after stabbing her five times, but instead, put her body in a hockey bag and left her in the back of his trunk in winter temperatures.
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Chartier said that he did take into account Ballantyne’s history of violence, as well as drug abuse, in rendering his decision.
Bourget is now awaiting sentencing.
