Warning: Graphic content The man convicted of killing his girlfriend and putting her in a septic tank was supposed to learn his sentence on Friday, but that has been delayed. Collin Boucher-Gionet pleaded guilty to manslaughter and indignity to a body in May. Aylissa Rovere, 32, was reported missing in the fall of 2024. Her body was discovered on a rural property north of Stony Plain. According to the agreed statement of facts, Boucher-Gionet woke up after blacking out from intoxication to find Rovere motionless and cold and believed she was dead. The court documents say he began to dig a grave for her on the property and also prepared to burn her body. He later dumped it into a nearby septic tank. An autopsy found Rovere was alive at the time she was dumped in the tank and died of drowning. On Friday the court heard victim impact statements from Rovere’s family, including her two children. Rovere’s daughter talked about the loss of stability she and her brother suffered after their mother’s death. “I remember how hard it hit my brother, to the point he was talking about [suicide],” she said in a statement read by Rovere’s mother. “Not having a mother, not having a stable family because of you.” “It’s all because of you and your twisted ways.” Rovere’s son, who was born on her birthday, remembered how his mother always called him the best birthday present she ever got. “My mother was always trying to do the best she could for our lives,” he said. “I messaged her every night, I told her how my day went, that I love her and I miss her. Nobody saw those messages…” He said he didn’t know what his mother had done to deserve the fate she got. “My mom was not perfect,” he said. “But to me she was perfect, to me she was everything, she was my mother.” Rovere’s mother talked about navigating the devastating loss of her daughter, at which point Boucher-Gionet could be seen crying. “Her absence has left a permanent, painful void,” she said. “I tremendously miss those hugs. It breaks me inside that I can never feel that again.” The Crown asked for a 12-year sentence, while the defence raised concerns, which resulted in proceedings being adjourned. Boucher-Gionet will be back in court next month where an application to strike his guilty pleas could be made or both sides could present a joint submission. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with mental illness, here are some resources that are available. Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988 or visit 988.ca) Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338) Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
