Quebecer convicted of killing partner, two children sentenced

A Quebec resident convicted of a triple homicide in Brossard on Montreal’s South Shore has received a life sentence without parole eligibility for 20 years for the second-degree murder of Synthia Bussières.

Levana Ballouz, previously known as Mohamad Al Ballouz at the time of the crimes, was also found guilty of two first-degree murders for the deaths of her two children, Eliam, aged 5, and Zac, aged 2. In addition, Ballouz was convicted of arson for setting the family’s condo on fire.

A second-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence, with parole eligibility set between 10 and 25 years.

Sentencing Details

Prosecutors had recommended parole ineligibility between 18 and 22 years, while the jury suggested 21 years. Ballouz, representing herself, did not propose a recommendation.

Judge Eric Downs, delivering the sentence, stated that Ballouz showed no remorse and described her as “manipulative” and a “narcissist.” He also classified Bussières’ death as a femicide.

Downs took into account first-responders’ accounts and victim impact statements, highlighting the devastation caused to the families involved.

During the sentencing, Ballouz displayed indifference, yawning multiple times.

Details of the Crime

The court heard that Bussières, aged 38, was stabbed 23 times, with at least 11 of those being defensive wounds, indicating that she fought for her life. Afterward, the two children were killed, and Ballouz consumed windshield washer fluid before setting the condo on fire to destroy evidence.

An autopsy was unable to confirm the exact cause of the children’s deaths.

Ballouz had argued during the trial that Bussières was responsible for the children’s deaths, but the judge dismissed this claim as implausible.

Incarceration Placement

Correctional Services Canada will now assess whether Ballouz should serve the sentence in a men’s or women’s prison. During the trial, Ballouz was detained in a women’s facility.