New trial ordered for Quebec man after 33 years in prison for four murders

Daniel Jolivet, who has spent 33 years in prison after being convicted of four murders in the 1990s, will have his case heard again. Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced Friday that he has ordered a new trial.

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As Minister of Justice, I have the authority under the Criminal Code to order a new trial or appeal when new evidence shows a miscarriage of justice likely occurred. My decision does not decide guilt or innocence, as that will rest with the courts.

Fraser stated that he found reasonable grounds to believe a miscarriage of justice may have occurred in Jolivet's case. He emphasized that his decision does not determine guilt or innocence, as that will be up to the courts.

Jolivet was convicted in 1994 of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in connection with a 1992 shooting believed to be related to a drug settlement in Brossard, Quebec. The conviction heavily relied on informant testimony, which Jolivet's lawyer, Nicholas St-Jacques of Project Innocence Quebec, has challenged.

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Many things have changed. It’s very expensive, I found out. Many things are not the same as they were 33 years ago.

After being granted bail in December 2025, Jolivet spoke about the difficulty of adjusting to life outside prison after more than three decades. He expressed his determination to be acquitted, stating, "I want a new trial, because I want to be found not guilty. It’s the better option because everyone will know that I am innocent."

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I want a new trial, because I want to be found not guilty. It’s the better option because everyone will know that I am innocent.

St-Jacques highlighted the importance of this opportunity for Jolivet's mental health, noting that his client has fought for years not only for freedom but to prove his innocence. Jolivet also looks forward to simple freedoms, like fishing.

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He’s been fighting for all these years, not only to get back his freedom, but to tell the world that he is not the person who committed the crime.