Parole Board Granted Release to Steve Emmanuel Barthelemy
The Parole Board of Canada has approved the statutory release of an individual involved in a 2023 attempt on Leonardo Rizzuto's life.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Violence
The Parole Board of Canada recently granted statutory release to 37-year-old Steve Emmanuel Barthelemy. Barthelemy, who pleaded guilty in 2024 to his role in a shooting targeting Leonardo Rizzuto, will soon be released from a federal penitentiary.
Why it matters
The decision to release Barthelemy follows his conviction for participating in a violent targeted attack on Highway 440 in Laval. The Parole Board has established specific conditions governing his release as he transitions back into the community.
The Parole Board of Canada approved the statutory release of 37-year-old Steve Emmanuel Barthelemy following his May 17, 2024, guilty plea. The specific conditions governing his transition from the federal penitentiary remain subject to regulatory oversight.
The players
Steve Emmanuel Barthelemy
He is a 37-year-old offender who served as the driver during a targeted shooting on Highway 440.
Leonardo Rizzuto
He was the target of an assassination attempt in 2023 while driving in Laval.
Kevin Rochebrun
He is a 35-year-old who opened fire on a vehicle during the attack on Leonardo Rizzuto.
Parole Board of Canada
This federal agency is responsible for making conditional release decisions for offenders serving sentences in federal penitentiaries.
The details
Barthelemy served as the driver during a 2023 shooting on Highway 440 in Laval where Kevin Rochebrun fired upon a vehicle occupied by Leonardo Rizzuto. Following the failed assassination attempt, Barthelemy was prosecuted and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident.
Timeline
The failed hit attempt on Leonardo Rizzuto occurred in 2023.
Steve Emmanuel Barthelemy entered a guilty plea on May 17, 2024.
The Parole Board of Canada issued the release decision in October 2026.
Legal Context
This decision follows the statutory framework established by the Corrections and Conditional Release Act regarding offender reintegration. It reflects the standard legal process for federal inmates reaching their statutory release date after conviction.
The release of a convicted individual involved in a high-profile shooting may heighten local awareness regarding public safety in the Laval area. Residents are advised to monitor official communications for any specific security advisories concerning the reintegration process.
The takeaway
Statutory release is a procedural milestone for federal inmates rather than a discretionary pardon. Understanding the conditions applied to such releases provides insight into how the justice system manages risk during an offender's transition back into society.
Further reading
For more on criminal justice developments, visit the Violence section.
