A 12-year-old boy accused of shooting his older brother in their Dorval home would pose no risk to society if released under strict conditions, including that he not take drugs or hang out with delinquent peers, a psychologist testified Monday in youth court.
Dominique Bourget said she interviewed the boy’s mother, who said she didn’t believe her son was into drugs and didn’t think he had ever taken her car without permission.
The boy, who has turned 13 since his arrest, is charged with taking the car, as well as manslaughter and possession of a weapon after the Jan. 21 shooting of his 16-year-old brother.
Bourget said that the boy, who can’t be named because he is a minor, was very polite and respectful during his psychological evaluation and was sad about the loss of his brother.
“He told me he was having sleep problems, was crying, was easily startled and sad,” she testified at the boy’s bail hearing.
Crown prosecutor Marie-Claude Bourassa asked Bourget if those who had told police about the boy’s alleged drug and alcohol abuse could be at risk if the boy was released from detention.
“I don’t think he’s the type not to comply with conditions,” she replied. “I would be proactive and say very plainly that he should not be doing drugs.”
Bourassa pointed out that when the boy was just 10, his brother called 911 to report that his young brother was drunk.
“Is that normal?” the prosecutor asked.