‘It’s not over yet’: Twin sister testifies in murder trial of Romane Bonnier

On Friday, Marilou Bonnier, Romane Bonnier’s twin, testified at her sister’s murder trial in Montreal.

The 24-year-old was fatally stabbed on October 19, 2021, not far from McGill University. Romane was an aspiring singer and performing artist.

François Pelletier was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the killing.

This was the 17th femicide in Quebec in 2021 and police called it an act of domestic violence.

“I just wanted to share my sister’s feelings,” said Bonnier. “My goal here was just to share what she was feeling before the attack and that her truth was out there.”

According to the Crown, Pelletier had briefly been Bonnier’s roommate between May and August 2021. During that time, they had a short but “intense” romantic relationship. Prosecutors allege that Pelletier killed her after struggling to accept their breakup.

Marilou testified that she first met Pelletier at a pizza dinner in early summer 2021 and noted that nothing about him struck her as unusual at the time.

Pelletier, 39, is representing himself in court. He questioned the witness about Romane’s interest in hypnosis and spiritual practices.

To questions about Romane’s involvement in Wicca, magical rituals, hypnosis, and claims of being “twin flames” with Pelletier, her sister said no, visibly puzzled. She did, however, acknowledge that Romane experienced sleepwalking episodes in her early years.

“The fact that he’s representing himself changes a little bit the questions and some of them are very broad or not very well posed, but it was okay,” said Bonnier.

The trial is being heard before a judge and jury.

“Thank you everyone for the support,” said Bonnier. “I know a lot of people are thinking about us, thinking about her, so thank you.”