Mike on Crime

By THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL – A man accused of beating an 80-year-old nun to death was declared not criminally responsible for his actions Monday.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer declared that the accused was suffering from serious mental health problems. A trial had begun Monday for Martin Rondeau, accused in the 2007 killing of Roman Catholic nun Estelle Lauzon.

The accused had a history of psychological problems and of drug addiction.

He was being helped by the 80-year-old nun, who worked with him in a halfway house.

The court heard that Rondeau was having an epileptic fit during the attack; reports at the time said he was found covered in blood, and was horrified to realize what he’d done.

Cournoyer said he would make an announcement Wednesday on Rondeau’s legal fate.

But several nuns who came to watch the proceedings already offered their own spiritual judgment Monday: they said they’ve forgiven Rondeau.