A significant outpouring of support was observed in court on Thursday for the family members of three children whose lives were tragically lost in a drunk driving incident last May. This support was highlighted as victim impact statements were delivered during the proceedings.
In the prisoner’s dock, dressed in all black, 20-year-old Ethan Lehouillier largely kept his head down as the children’s mother, Jade Galve, tearfully addressed him. “I hope you remember the damage you’ve done and the lives you’ve taken,” she said, conveying her immense sorrow and anger over the catastrophic event.
The fatal crash occurred just after midnight on May 18, 2025. Galve was traveling in a van with her four children, while her partner, Akash Paladugu, was behind the wheel. They were returning home after enjoying fireworks for Victoria Day. According to an agreed statement of facts, Lehouillier, then 19, was exiting Highway 401 at Renforth Drive at nearly 170 km/h when he ran a red light and struck a median. This collision propelled his vehicle into the air, leading to a devastating impact with Paladugu’s parked van. On the night of the accident, Lehouillier's blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit.
The crash resulted in the immediate deaths of two children—15-year-old Ramone Lavina and his 13-year-old brother, Jace—at the scene. Their six-year-old sister, Mya, succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. Jade Galve, along with her 10-year-old son Avery and Paladugu, were taken to the hospital but were reported to be in stable condition.
In her emotional court statement, Galve recounted, “I can remember every single detail, especially holding my lifeless daughter in my arms.” She described her children as kind, smart, and full of compassion, while also sharing her own struggles with depression and anxiety in the aftermath of their loss. She poignantly noted, “Their 11-year-old brother, Avery, is now left without siblings—a child who has to cope with an immense loss at such a young age.”
Paladugu also submitted a statement that was read by a family member, expressing his torment over the incident. He stated, “Although I know I was not at fault, I live every day with the unbearable reality that the kids were in my care when their lives were taken. The guilt, even though I did nothing wrong, is heavy and relentless.”
During the proceedings, a lawyer representing the family mentioned that they would refrain from making public statements until after the sentencing concludes, anticipated to take place in the spring, likely between March and April. Lehouillier has pled guilty to three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm. He has been in custody since his arrest in May 2025.
During sentencing arguments, comparisons were drawn to the high-profile case of Marco Muzzo. The Crown is seeking a sentence of eight to ten years, including credit for time already served, as well as a 20-year driving ban. In contrast, Lehouillier’s defense is advocating for a sentence between six and eight years.
