Man convicted of Halifax optician’s 2021 murder launching appeal

Halifax Regional Police responded to a stabbing at Insight Optometry on Brunswick Street on Dec. 30, 2021.

A man who was convicted of stabbing an optician to death in Halifax nearly four years ago is launching an appeal, claiming the judge discounted testimony and evidence.

Cymon Felix Cormier filed his motion with the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, seeking to dispute his conviction and sentence for the first-degree murder of Tony Nader.

Cormier’s motion claims Justice Christa Brothers, his judge in the case, disregarded evidence about his criminal responsibility and testimony about his mental health.

Cormier was sentenced last July to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years for first-degree murder in Nader’s death.

According to the written decision from Justice Brothers, Cormier entered Insight Optometry in the early hours of Dec. 30, 2021, and, without saying anything, repeatedly stabbed Nader with a knife. Nader later died in hospital from his wounds.

“After what can only be described as a frenzied attack, with Mr. Cormier relentlessly pursuing Mr. Nader throughout the optometry clinic, Mr. Cormier left Insight,” the decision reads. “Video surveillance footage shows him running, jogging and walking, while discarding clothing and other items he had with him.”

The decision notes Cormier also hit a customer in the side of the head with the butt of the knife. He was convicted of assault causing bodily harm and received a 90-day sentence to be served concurrently with his life sentence.

In the decision, Brothers noted Cormier was “likely suffering from a mental disorder,” but could not conclude that it was schizophrenia.

“He was suffering from a major depressive disorder in the years leading to the attack, which was successfully treated from time to time,” the decision reads. “There is also compelling evidence that he was suffering from borderline and schizotypal personality traits.

“However, the evidence did not satisfy me, on a balance of probabilities, that Mr. Cormier’s mental disorder rendered him incapable of appreciating the nature and quality of his actions or incapable of knowing that attacking Mr. Nader was wrong. Simply put, I concluded he could distinguish right from wrong and is responsible for his actions.”

Along with the life sentence, Cormier received a lifetime firearms prohibition.

During the hearing, Brothers addressed Cormier, noting he could “reflect upon the magnitude of your actions and your disregard for a human life” during his lengthy sentence.

“While you did not hear from (Nader’s) family members, I have no doubt the fact of his death and how he died continues to be a source of extreme pain, which they may never be able to get over,” the decision reads. “You need to understand what you took away from all these people when you took Mr. Nader’s life. Do not squander any second chance you are given.”

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Andrea Jerrett

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