39-year-old Justin Desautels of Dryden faces life behind bars after the murder of two seniors in the community two years ago.
Desautels has plead guilty to two counts of Second Degree Murder after a string of assaults in the Arbour Jade Trailer Park on McGogy Road on March 2, 2020, which carries an automatic life sentence in Canada. Although, that sentence is up to the judge’s discretion.
He’s also pleading guilty to Aggravated Assault, two counts of Break and Enter to Commit Robbery and Cause Bodily Harm to Peace Officers.
Court documents from 2020 explain that Desautels broke into two homes that night, was in possession of crystal meth and seriously assaulted three residents.
Officers initially received reports of a suspicious person in the Arbour Jade area around 10 p.m. They say when officers arrived, Desautels resisted arrest, assaulted two members of the Dryden OPP and attempted to take one of their firearms before he was captured.
Police then discovered the first victim, 78-year-old Mervin Harvey Brownlee, in his home. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
About three weeks later, the second victim of the assaults – Dorothy C. Brown – passed away from her injuries while in the hospital.
The third victim, who we have chosen not to name, lived through their injuries.
Desautels plead guilty in August and appeared in Kenora Courts on October 19 for an initial sentencing hearing.
He is in Assignment Court today in Kenora to determine his later sentencing date and his potential parole eligibility period. He’s being represented by Winnipeg lawyer Ryan Amy.
A publication ban that had been in place surrounding this case has been lifted.