Burlington man sentenced for second-degree murder charge

BURLINGTON — Louis Fortier, 42, was sentenced on one count of murder in the second degree in Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Criminal Division.

Fortier previously pled no contest in the fatal stabbing of Richard Medina on March 29, 2017, in downtown Burlington.

Judge John Pacht presided over the case and sentenced Fortier to 20 years to life, with the entire sentence suspended except for 6 years with credit for time served, and lifetime supervision by the Department of Corrections.

Fortier will be required to follow special conditions of probation that require him to abide by all treatment recommendations by the Department of Mental Health, including all medication recommendations as directed by his provider.

While the sentence allows the Department of Corrections to have immediate and lifetime supervision over Fortier, the Court, along with the parties, anticipate Fortier will remain at the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital in Berlin for the foreseeable future.

“It is my hope that today’s sentencing brings some sense of peace to Richard Medina’s loved ones so that they may continue to heal from this tragedy,” said Attorney General Charity Clark.

The sentence imposed by the Court holds Fortier accountable for the unlawful killing of Richard Medina, while also acknowledging Fortier’s continued need for significant mental health treatment.