Brian Paul Dennison made a brief appearance via a videoconference link early this afternoon at the Court of Quebec in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

The 80-year-old defendant is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly, according to the prosecution, taking the life of his spouse Annie Di Lauro, who was 90 at the time of the incident, in October 2022. 

During his appearance, Dennison exchanged a few words with Judge Joey Dubois and the lawyers on the case. The octogenarian was unassisted and spoke only in English. 

Dennison was ordered by Judge Dubois sent to be sent to the Pinel Institute where he will be evaluated to determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial before his next court appearance scheduled for July 5.

"When you next appear here in person, I should have the report in my hands. Are you going to cooperate with the people in charge of assessing you?" Judge Dubois asked Dennison during their exchange. 

Dennison said he didn't know what he was doing at the penitentiary and asked Judge Dubois why and if he had to go to Pinel Institute. 

Dennison was arrested on October 19, 2022 at the Le Félix seniors' residence in Vaudreuil-Dorion. His case has been brought before the Court of Quebec on several occasions since his arrest.

In addition to remaining behind bars, Dennison is also forbidden to contact three people.