Ahmed May has been sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison for a violent stabbing incident involving his former colleagues at La Belle et La Bœuf restaurant in Chicoutimi. Judge Jean Hudon described the act as exhibiting “extreme brutality” during the ruling made in Chicoutimi court.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred on December 20, 2023. May, a 32-year-old Tunisian chef, entered the restaurant seeking the manager, who was not present. Without any apparent provocation, he stealthily entered an administrative office and slashed the throat of a co-worker, causing profuse bleeding.
Following this, he brutally stabbed another employee multiple times in the head and hands. When he encountered a third employee in the kitchen, that individual had to crawl on the ground to avoid being attacked. Fortunately, all three victims survived, but they have faced significant physical and psychological consequences.
Victim Impact
- Physical injuries
- Psychological trauma
- Personal challenges
Stephanie Larocque, one of the victims, shared her experience, stating it has been difficult to seek help, although she managed to return to normal activities relatively quickly.
Legal Proceedings
In early 2025, May pleaded guilty to five charges, including attempted murder and assault causing bodily harm. He explained his actions were a result of resentment towards his superiors and feeling disrespected as a Muslim man. However, the judge emphasized that the victims bore the brunt of his grievances.
Although the prosecution sought a 19-year sentence, Judge Hudon deemed a 14-year sentence appropriate. May has been in custody since his arrest, which means he has 10 years left to serve. The court denied two requests from the Crown regarding increased penalties and consideration of his time served.
Background of the Perpetrator
May arrived in Canada in mid-May 2023. Since his detention, he has faced over 50 disciplinary reports, with the last issued in June 2025. After parting ways with his lawyer last year, he has represented himself in court.
