Fatal road rage: Research on hit-and-run after collision

A motorist accused of hitting another driver on Highway 15 and fleeing is reportedly conducting searches and vehicle parts related to the crash.

• Read more: Fatal hit-and-run on A-15: Driver allegedly tried to wreck his vehicle

• Read more: Deadly road rage: A motorist allegedly ran over another motorist who was getting out of his vehicle

Alexandra Gagné-Faucher, 31, allegedly surfed the Internet and made several calls about it, analysis of a cellphone seized when she was arrested five days after the hit-and-run revealed.

On the morning of September 15, 2022, 53-year-old Stefan Taylan was fatally injured by a gray Hyundai Accent car when he was suddenly overtaken by the latter. However, the car driven by Alexandra Gagne-Faucher never stopped after the impact.

But in the hours after the collision, Gagne-Faucher would have consulted Highway 15 traffic cameras, a wanted notice issued by the Laval Police Department and an article. Newspaper about a “potential case of extreme road rage,” according to documents in evidence at his jury trial in Laval court.

The next morning, she called a used auto parts store in Montreal.

Later, in the afternoon, calls were made to a Canadian Tire store in Montreal’s Saint-Léonard district and a Princess Auto store in Laval that specializes in auto tools and parts.

Gagne-Faucher searched both companies’ websites to find hubcaps and spray paint.

During the same period, he made purchases at two Canadian Tire branches in Montreal, according to surveillance videos recorded in the investigation.

Death of the victim

The accused finally considered the article by DVA Nouvelles, announcing the death of the victim of the attack at the end of the evening.

Stephen Taillon died of traumatic brain injury in the hours following the collision, a forensic pathologist confirmed last week.

When the police found the suspect vehicle belonging to the accused’s mother, it was slightly different in appearance from what was seen on the surveillance cameras during the attack.

The rear bumper was defaced, stickers were put on it and the hubcaps were removed.

Alexandra Gagne-Faucher’s trial for involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault is expected to continue in the coming days.

– With Laurent Lavoie