November 13, 1867

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED

The Privy Council has approved an Order-in-Council (1867-0127) commuting the death sentence of Sophie Boisclair that was due to be carried on November 20, 1867. Ms. Boisclair, convicted in March, along with Modiste Villebrun, of the murder of her husband, François-Xavier Jutras, will now remain imprisoned for the term of her natural life. It is believed that the cabinet has seen fit to make the commutation on the grounds that Ms. Boisclair is pregnant.

Boisclair and Modiste Villebrun had begun an affair with one another some time ago and wished to get married but the two were already married to others. Following the sudden death of M. Villebrun’s wife, he moved in with Ms. Boisclair and M. Jutras. Shortly after M. Jutras fell ill and, following an autopsy, was found to have been poisoned with strychnine.

M. Villbrun was hanged in May.