3 min read

The Judge That Said STOP THINKING: Mohamad Al Ballouz

Updated: Nov 17

The Discovery: A Scene of Unspeakable Horror

The tragic story of Mohamad Al Ballouz and the triple homicide.

On September 24-25, 2022, what began as a routine fire alarm call in a Brossard condo quickly turned into a haunting nightmare for firefighters. The lifeless body of Synthia Bussières was discovered, brutally stabbed, alongside her young children, Zac and Éliam, aged just 2 and 5. These innocent lives were tragically cut short, leaving a scene of unimaginable horror and heartbreak.

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First Responders' Nightmare: A Crime Scene Unfolds
Identity and Justice: The Complexity of the Case
Innocence Lost: Symbols of a Shattered Childhood
Justice or Ideology
You don't need to suffer in silence
Prison, Court, Judge, Prosecutors

First Responders' Nightmare: A Crime Scene Unfolds

Arriving around midnight, first responders had to force their way into the condo, stepping into a scene of chaos. A fire had been set at the foot of the bed, smoke detectors were disabled, and the air was thick with despair. Blood and water mingled on the bathroom floor, with blood-soaked towels scattered in a futile attempt to erase the horror. Despite their efforts, the rescuers were unable to save the children, who were rushed to the hospital, only to be pronounced dead.

Image of crime scene submitted to evidence

The Accused: A Betrayal of Trust

Standing at the crime scene was Al Ballouz, partner to Synthia and father to the boys, accused of committing this unthinkable act. The trial, ongoing at the Longueuil courthouse, presents 14 jurors with the grotesque details of the crime, forcing them to confront the question: how could someone meant to protect become the source of such terror?

Identity and Justice: The Complexity of the Case

Court Sketch of Al Ballouz disguised as a woman

In a twist of identity, Al Ballouz, who identified as male at the time, now presents as Levana Ballouz, identifying as female. This raises complex questions about fairness and identity in the judicial process. With a court-appointed "friend" ensuring fairness, the trial challenges societal norms and tests the boundaries of justice.

Innocence Lost: Symbols of a Shattered Childhood

Amidst the macabre scene, children's items like a teddy bear near the bed stand as tragic symbols of innocence destroyed. The Crown's theory unfolds, accusing Mohamad Al Ballouz of a brutal attack on Synthia, followed by a failed suicide attempt. This depravity challenges the very fabric of societal norms and justice.

Justice or Ideology: The Stakes of the Trial

As the trial progresses, it becomes more than just about the accused's actions; it questions the manipulation of justice and societal norms. Jurors are urged to set aside preconceived notions, or as George Orwell said in the now non-fiction novel 1984:

“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”

The Broader Implications: Justice and Gender Identity

The trial's outcome holds significant implications for how gender identity is acknowledged in courtrooms. It questions the impact on statistics and the essence of justice when identity can be altered. This isn't just about fairness; it's about ensuring justice for Synthia, Zac, Éliam, and all victims who deserve to be remembered as more than abstractions in identity debates.

Clarity in Justice

In the face of such heinous acts, the justice system must remain clear and unambiguous. This trial is about more than fairness; it's about justice for those whose lives were unjustly stolen. The stakes are high, and the principles of truth and accountability must not be obscured.