Thierry Bordelais, a Canadian attorney of African descent, has remained a quiet but central figure in one of Canada’s most publicly scrutinized narratives. Known primarily as the second husband of Karla Homolka, his life and choices have been the subject of persistent curiosity, largely due to Homolka’s connection to the infamous crimes committed with her first husband, Paul Bernardo. Though Bordelais himself has no criminal record and maintains a private life, his proximity to such a dark chapter in Canadian history has made him an unavoidable part of the ongoing public discourse.
Early Life and Background
Born in Canada in either the 1960s or 1970s, Thierry Bordelais is now believed to be in his late 50s or early 60s. He is a practicing Christian and Canadian citizen who has kept a discreet professional profile throughout his legal career. His sister, Sylvie Bordelais, is a well-known attorney in Quebec who played a key role in the legal defense of Karla Homolka during her highly controversial trial in the 1990s.
Thierry’s professional life as a lawyer was largely unremarkable in public terms until his relationship with Homolka became known. His personal history remains largely undocumented, with few details available about his education or career milestones, underscoring his deliberate avoidance of media attention.
Relationship with Karla Homolka
The timeline of their relationship is still the subject of speculation, but it is widely reported that Thierry Bordelais met Karla Homolka while she was serving her 12-year prison sentence for her role in a series of abductions, sexual assaults, and murders of teenage girls—crimes she committed alongside Paul Bernardo, including the death of her own sister, Tammy.
Their relationship likely began due to Sylvie Bordelais’s role as Homolka’s defense attorney, which may have created opportunities for Thierry and Karla to connect. After Homolka’s release in 2005, she and Bordelais married in a private ceremony. Despite the intense controversy surrounding her release and marriage, Bordelais committed to building a life with her.
A Family Under the Radar
The couple went on to have three children—two sons and a daughter—whose lives have been inevitably shaped by their mother’s past. The family lived together in Quebec but was frequently forced to move due to public backlash, media attention, and harassment from neighbors.
While Bordelais’s exact net worth is unknown, it is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million, based on his legal career and private ventures. He has never sought public recognition or used his connection to Homolka for media or financial gain. This suggests a desire to lead a normal life, despite the stigma attached to his wife’s past.
In January 2020, Homolka reportedly moved to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, a small town in Quebec, and began living separately from Bordelais and their children. Though this arrangement led to rumors of separation, no official confirmation has surfaced. It is speculated that the move was made to shield their children from the backlash that continued to follow them through schools and local communities.
The Weight of a Controversial Union
Karla Homolka’s crimes, committed in the early 1990s alongside Paul Bernardo, shocked the nation. She was given a reduced sentence under a plea bargain, receiving 12 years in prison in exchange for her testimony against Bernardo—who remains incarcerated for life.
Despite her claim of being under Bernardo’s control, the later release of videotapes and evidence revealed that Homolka was far more involved in the crimes than initially portrayed. This ignited national outrage and calls for justice reform.
Reports have suggested that Homolka possesses an IQ of 132, reflecting a high level of intelligence. Critics argue that her intelligence and calculated cooperation with authorities allowed her to manipulate the legal system in her favor, ultimately securing her early release.
Her post-prison marriage to Bordelais raised even more eyebrows. Some questioned whether it was a product of manipulation, compassion, or genuine affection. Whatever the case, Bordelais has stayed silent publicly, choosing not to comment on the nature of their relationship or the moral complexities attached to it.
Public Life vs. Private Reality
Despite the looming shadow of Homolka’s past, Thierry Bordelais has remained almost entirely out of the media’s reach. He does not participate in interviews, maintains no public social media presence, and rarely appears in public with his wife or children.
His decision to stay with Homolka and raise a family with her speaks to a level of personal conviction or loyalty that few can understand, especially considering the widespread condemnation of her crimes. For some, this makes him a figure of intrigue—for others, one of baffling moral ambiguity.
The Children and the Ongoing Fallout
One of the more tragic elements of the Bordelais-Homolka family story is the impact on their children. Innocent and unconnected to their mother’s crimes, they have nevertheless faced exclusion, bullying, and community backlash.
Multiple media outlets have reported instances where parents requested their removal from schools once their identities were discovered. This relentless pressure has contributed to the family’s reclusive lifestyle and Homolka’s decision to live separately at times for the children’s safety and anonymity.
