WINNIPEG — More troubling and gruesome details after another day of testimony in the murder trial of Thomas Brine, accused of killing Elizabeth Lafantaisie, a 73-year old grandmother.
Tuesday, the Chief Medical Examiner testified Lafantaisie had a broken leg, a bruised face and she’d been sexually assaulted, adding she had a black and white scarf tied around her neck and died from being strangled.
Disturbing details the victim’s family waited five years to hear and for the first time, they are speaking out.
“She was a beautiful mother, we loved her dearly,” said her tearful daughter Lise Gosselin outside court Tuesday.
READ MORE: Murder trial underway for man accused in murder, sexual assault of Winnipeg grandmother
Her daughters, grand-daughters and friends are reeling after hearing shocking details of how a beloved mother and grandmother spent her last moments.
“It’s disgusting, it’s sad, it’s horrible all at the same time,” said her grand-daughter Charmaine Gosselin, “Heartwreching to know what she went through.”
29-year old Thomas Brine is charged with 1st degree murder. He’s accused of attacking the 73-year old in a parkade at an apartment building on University Crescent, brutally sexually assaulting her before choking her to death. Brine and Lafantaisie did not know each other.
“I think waiting five years doesn’t help,” said Charmaine, “It just brings us back to when it happened.”
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In 2011, Lafantaisie was beaten and stomped as she tried to walk to her car after cleaning a clients apartment.
“She was a clean freak and she was an amazing woman,” said Charmaine, “She took pride in her work, she was loving. Her hugs hurt they were so tight.”
A forensics officer testified Tuesday how Lafantaisie vehicle was seen in a car wash on Osborne Street later that day. The Crown Prosecutor alleges Brine put Lafantaisie lifeless body in the trunk and went through the car wash to get rid of evidence .
Brine sat quietly in the prisoner’s box. He showed no emotion as gruesome details of the attack and sexually assault were heard.
“I don’t think we’ll ever know the answer to why, and we’ve been prepared for that,” said Charmaine.
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