Over two and a half years after the tragic loss of her daughter and two grandchildren in their home, Sylvie Guertin is appealing to Quebec’s justice minister for support in allowing her family to mourn in peace.
In December, Mohamed Al Ballouz, now referring to himself as Levana Ballouz, was found guilty of murdering Synthia Bussieres and suffocating their young children, Eliam and Zac.
Ballouz received a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.
Get breaking National news
Stay updated with breaking news alerts directly delivered to you.
Guertin was back in court this week after the deadline for requesting an appeal passed in late January, learning that Ballouz, who represented herself during the trial, is seeking a lawyer to file an appeal and have it heard in English.
The case is set to return to court on May 12.
“I am so angry,” expressed Guertin. “I reached out to the minister to understand how this is even permitted. The law clearly states there’s a 30-day window for an appeal.”
On Wednesday in Quebec City, Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette offered his condolences but mentioned he cannot interfere in judicial matters.
“We back the family, but I am unable to intervene in court processes,” he told Global News.
Guertin hopes for peace for Synthia, Eliam, and Zac, especially since Synthia would have celebrated her 41st birthday on Wednesday.
“I will fight for justice for her and my grandchildren for as long as I live,” she asserted. “I will not stop until justice is achieved.
For the full story, watch the video above.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
