Jury hears that Jannai Dopwell-Bailey disregarded warnings to avoid his killers

A tragic incident unfolded outside Programme Mile End High School in Côte-des-Neiges, where 16-year-old Jannai Dopwell-Bailey lost his life in a fatal stabbing. The accused, 21-year-old Andrei Donet, is facing charges of second-degree murder in connection with the incident.

During the trial at the Montreal courthouse, Katelyn O’Brien, a counsellor with the English Montreal School Board’s Outreach program, testified about the events leading up to the tragic incident. She recounted how efforts were made to prevent the violence that ultimately claimed Jannai’s life.

O’Brien revealed that she had a premonition of impending danger when she saw the expelled student, who had been involved in a previous fight, waiting outside the school. Despite attempts to reconcile the students involved in the altercation, the expelled student showed no remorse and expressed a lack of interest in resolving the conflict.

As the situation escalated, O’Brien and her colleagues tried to steer students away from the potential confrontation. However, Jannai and a group of students disregarded their warnings and headed towards the expelled student and his group. O’Brien’s concerns grew as she sensed the tension escalating, leading to a tragic turn of events.

The Crown’s theory suggests that Donet pepper-sprayed Jannai and obstructed his path as he tried to retreat. O’Brien witnessed the horrifying attack, where Jannai was outnumbered and brutally assaulted by the assailants. Despite her efforts to intervene and call for help, the attackers fled the scene, leaving Jannai in critical condition.

The emotional testimony of O’Brien sheds light on the series of events that culminated in the senseless loss of a young life. The trial continues as the court seeks justice for Jannai Dopwell-Bailey and his grieving loved ones.