PQ election night shooter allegedly expresses regret in audio recording

MONTREAL – The jury at Richard Henry Bain’s murder trial heard an audio recording Tuesday during which he allegedly expresses regret for the events that occurred during the Parti Quebecois’ 2012 election celebration.

Provincial police Sgt. Christian Dumas testified he grabbed audio that was posted to Bain’s Facebook profile months after his arrest and incarceration.

Bain, 65, is on trial on one charge of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and two fire-related charges.

The charges are connected to events outside the Metropolis nightclub in Montreal where premier-designate Pauline Marois was giving her victory speech nearly four years ago.

The audio recording includes someone, identified by the Crown as Bain, saying: “Hi, my name is Richard Henry Bain. I wish to say truthfully that I went to the Metropolis on September 4, 2012. I went there so that Marois would not be able to make her speech or to have her celebration party.”

Bain allegedly parked his car in back of the venue, exited the vehicle with a handgun and a semi-automatic rifle and allegedly shot a single bullet before his gun jammed.

The bullet fatally struck lighting technician Denis Blanchette, exited his body and struck another stagehand, David Courage, who survived.

Jurors also heard audio purportedly of Bain saying, “I didn’t go there to hurt anyone. But we all know for some people and families, and even my own family and friends, it ended in a tragedy. This I deeply regret.”

Testimony continues Wednesday.