Case of Quebec woman accused of scalding child with boiling water postponed

The court proceedings at the Longueuil courthouse for a Quebec woman charged with aggravated assault after allegedly scalding a 10-year-old boy with boiling water last year was postponed on Tuesday.

Stéphanie Borel, 46, is alleged to have seriously injured the child on Oct. 2, 2024. The boy, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, sustained second-degree burns to his face and upper body.

The boy’s family was present at the preliminary court hearing but declined to speak with the media. Farrah St-Onge, a lawyer who was present at the hearing to support the family, says they are tired because of the delay.

The next hearing has been set for July 8.

Farrah Auguste is a family friend, and was at the courthouse to support them. She is also a lawyer. Auguste started an online fundraiser after the incident to help them while the family was unable to work. 

“If it was turned around, if it was a Black man that had done that to a little white boy, he would still be in jail,” said Auguste. “Of course, they are tired because like today, it’s been reported again for July 8. And it’s the second time that they’ve said that it’s going to be reported for another date. So of course, they’re tired because they would like this case to be closed and go on with their lives.”

The defendant was not present at the hearing. Borel’s lawyer, Mélanie Brochu, told CityNews she was respecting her bail conditions, which include living with her son, undergoing a psychological evaluation, and staying away from the home and school of the young victim and from a witness.

“We need time to give the opportunity to the accused to pursue a psychological treatment and for my part, I’m still waiting for evidence,” said Gabriella St-Onge, crown prosecutor.

The prosecution is waiting on a medical evaluation of the boy’s wounds. 

“It’s just because we need to know the long time after effects of that injury to know in the sentencing process,” said St-Onge.

On Oct. 2 2024, the victim was walking home from school and took a shortcut across Borel’s lawn–that’s when she reportedly threw boiling water in his face and on his chest.

“It was a criminal act to a little boy, a 10-year old boy,” said Auguste. “We have to support black families. We have to be there for them. We have to talk about it. I have two little black boys at home. And they need to know that this city here in Montreal, here in Canada, we are protected. And this kind of act should not happen again. Or else you will be punished.”

The Crown prosecutor says according to family members, the boy is slowly getting better. An update is expected on the long-term effects of the boy’s wounds, which will inform the sentencing process.