Accused praised as family mentor

The extended family of a 71-year-old man charged with aggravated assault in the death of his 13-year-old daughter has rallied in support of both the victim and the alleged perpetrator.

They carefully avoided any hint of blame yesterday and spoke glowingly of Moussa Sidime’s commitment to his family even as they poured out their love for his dead daughter, Noutene Sidime.

Standing beside a makeshift shrine of flowers and notes from family and friends next to the family’s modest apartment on Chambly Rd. in Longueuil, family spokesperson Mamoudou Kaba read from a prepared statement.

In it, 13 family members expressed their love for the "beautiful and intelligent" Noutene, who died Saturday, three days after she was struck and fell into a coma.

The family, with roots in Guinea, was "devastated" by the loss of the "beloved" teenager, they said.

She was "beautiful, intelligent and a brilliant student, much like her father."

Two years ago, Noutene won a mathematics prize and was making plans to follow her sisters academically, hoping to become a lawyer.

The accused was described as the family cornerstone, an architect with degrees from Columbia University in New York and Universite Laval in Quebec City.

They endorsed his character and contribution to family members’ educational aspirations, saying he was the family member who advised relatives here, in the United States and in West Africa.

"Uncle Moussa sacrificed a comfortable retirement so his children could plan for a better future," the family said.

Moussa Sidime appeared briefly in a Longueuil courtroom yesterday, where his bail hearing was postponed until Friday. His lawyer, Marie-Josee Duhaime, said: "He is overcome by the situation. He is very sad."

Crown prosecutor Julie Laborde said she is awaiting results of an autopsy to determine the cause of the girl’s death and whether a more severe charge should be laid.

If the death is related more directly to any blows she received, a charge of manslaughter or second-degree murder is a possibility.

About a dozen family members and friends were in the courtroom for Sidime’s appearance. Among those at the hearing were at least two of Sidime’s sons. Several of the women wore traditional garb. Some held their heads in sorrow, or hugged each other.

At the Chambly Rd. apartment block, a note posted on the door read, "The family is saddened." Reporters were asked to respect its privacy.

A shrine of fresh flowers and the girl’s picture included handwritten notes from family members saying, "We love you, Noutene. Rest in peace," and "We are looking after the family."

In a shoebox were handwritten condolence notes from school friends.

"You will always be my friend," one said.

"You will be a magnificent butterfly," read another.

After the statement was read, family members removed the shrine.