Conjugal violence: ex-partner of man accused of 1st-degree murder speaks out

A woman was found dead in her apartment and a man in Saint-Jérôme is now facing a first-degree murder charge.

Her body was found weeks after authorities believe she had died.

Following his arrest, one of the man’s ex-partners is speaking out.

Gabie Renaud, 43, was found dead in her Saint-Jérôme apartment on Saturday. Authorities believe she was killed around Sept. 7.

The accused, 45-year-old Jonathan Blanchet, was arrested on Monday and charged with first degree murder.

Nancy Boucher used to be in a relationship with Blanchet that she describes as toxic.

During their four years together, she says she was physically assaulted.

Blanchet was arrested numerous times he eventually served more than three years in prison.

Boucher says in spring Renaud reached out to her online, sharing intimate details about the abuse she says she experienced in the relationship.

Boucher believe it was a cry for help.

Melpa Kamateros is with Shield of Athena and says it can be hard for victims to get out of an abusive relationship.

“Here’s a cycle, the cycle of violence: in it there’s the expansion of violence, there’s the explosion of violence, there’s the honeymoon period and then the cycle repeats itself,” she says.

She adds she wants to see stronger laws protecting victims of conjugal violence.

Boucher wants that too.

She says she feels guilty for not helping Renaud get out of a relationship with a man who has a history of violence and numerous arrests on his record.

As for Blanchet, he appeared in court yesterday on a first-degree murder charge and is currently detained.

His next court case is scheduled Nov. 7.