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Man accused of killing two appears in court as victim’s loved ones watch

Michael Philip Simard, the Courtenay man accused of shooting and killing two people, appeared in court Tuesday as one of the victims’ family and friends looked on.
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Courtenay homicide victims Leanne Larocque and Gord Turner.

Michael Philip Simard, the Courtenay man accused of shooting and killing two people, appeared in court Tuesday as one of the victims’ family and friends looked on.

Simard, 42, is charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Leanne Larocque and Gord Turner on Oct. 5.

Larocque’s family sat in Courtenay provincial court as Simard, who is being held at the Vancouver Island Regional Correction Centre in Victoria, appeared via video link.

Crown prosecutors are assessing whether Simard will face charges of first- or second- degree murder, said B.C. criminal justice branch spokesman Dan McLaughlin.

Larocque and Turner were found dead in a house at 2345 Urquhart Ave., after neighbours heard several gunshots in the early-morning hours.

Simard, who shot and wounded himself, was arrested at the scene.

“My sister was a loving person,” said Larocque’s twin sister, Nicole, who was in the courtroom Tuesday. “She loved everybody, now we have to live without her.”

Larocque was one of five children of Rob and Barb Kelly.

Nicole said the family was very close and would often go camping, kayaking and fishing.

Larocque worked as a cook in a logging camp and loved being outdoors.

“We were never apart, we’re best friends,” said Nicole.

Leanne Larocque has two adult children, one of whom, Ashley, had a baby in May.

“She was so happy about being a grandmother, getting to see the baby and her kids,” said Nicole, who has adopted Larocque’s beloved shih tzu, Bailey.

Nicole was also a longtime friend of Turner, a father of three boys. “He was so proud of them,” Nicole said.

Simard and Larocque dated for about eight months starting in the summer of 2015, said Janice Brown, a friend of both of them.

Brown said Larocque was the type of person friends would call when they needed help.

“She was just a happy-go-lucky person. She had such a big heart, she would do anything for anyone,” Brown said. “I wish she would have been able to see her grandbaby grow up.”

A memorial for Larocque will take place in Courtenay on Saturday.

Simard’s next court appearance is set for Thursday.

kderosa@timescolonist.com