During the trial for the drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Meriem Boundaoui in Montreal, defense attorney Marc Labelle argued that his client, Salim Touaibi, should be convicted of manslaughter instead of murder. Labelle acknowledged that Touaibi fired the fatal shot but claimed that it was not intended to kill anyone. The incident occurred on February 7, 2021, when Touaibi and his co-defendant, Aymane Bouadi, allegedly shot at a Volkswagen Jetta while Boundaoui was a passenger, caught in crossfire stemming from a conflict between local businesses regarding parking disputes.

The trial has revealed the circumstances surrounding the teenager's tragic death, emphasizing that she was an innocent bystander in a dispute unrelated to her. The defense's argument centers on the claim that the shooting was not premeditated; therefore, a lesser charge of manslaughter is more appropriate than a murder charge, which requires proof of intent. This distinction is crucial in the court's consideration of how to classify the defendant's actions and the consequent penalties he may face. Labelle reiterated that the evidence presented suggests a lack of intent to kill among those involved.

As the trial progresses, the jury now faces the challenge of deliberating whether the actions of Touaibi can be categorized as manslaughter due to the lack of intent, or if they are indicative of a more serious crime. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Touaibi and Bouadi, but also for the community grieving the loss of a young life caught in violence fueled by neighborhood disputes. The case underscores ongoing issues related to gun violence and public safety in urban environments.