An old man full of bullets in an Italian café in Montreal is the unfortunate victim of mistaken identity, simply because he is a member of organized crime targeted, we learned this morning, in the opening of trial of the alleged shooter.
“This is an innocent victim sitting peacefully in a café-bar,” M explained to the jury.e Katerine Brabant, for the Crown, in the case of Jeff Joubens Theus.
Theus, 31, began his trial Tuesday in connection with the killing of Angelo D’Onofrio, a senior who was shot in cold blood on June 2, 2016.
While he was drinking his coffee, an assassin appeared and shot him several times, before leaving the scene as he had arrived.
However, according to the Crown’s theory, Mr. D’Onofrio was not the target of the shooter, who was looking for a Vanelli.
“Unfortunately, Mr. D’Onofrio, who is unknown to the police, may be similar to the target,” explained Mr.e Brabant.
Betrayed by his DNA
According to the prosecution’s theory, the shooter was Theseus. And after leaving the place, he was said to have been helped by a colleague, Ebamba Lufiau. Except that during the escape, a witness observed the plate number of their car.
Jeff Joubens Theus Image courtesy
“The plate was stolen near the scene,” the Crown said.
The next night, the accused allegedly tried to burn incriminating items such as clothes and the stolen plaque, but all were recovered by the authorities.
“The DNA of the defendant and the accomplice was found on some of the items,” he explained to the jury.
During the trial scheduled for several weeks, the Crown intends to call civilian witnesses, police officers, but also experts. Jurors will also have to examine electronic tapping, which could potentially lead to Theus’ arrest.
The trial was presided over by judge Hélène Di Salvo, while Me Elizabeth Ménard defends Theseus.
The latter pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder.
