Thierry Bordelais is a Canadian attorney who gained public visibility not through professional headlines, but because of his deeply controversial marriage to Karla Homolka—a figure infamous for her role in the sexual assaults and murders committed alongside her first husband, Paul Bernardo. In the years following Homolka’s release from prison, Bordelais has managed to maintain an intensely private lifestyle, even as public scrutiny over their relationship continues to generate attention.
Early Life and Background
Born in Canada, Thierry Bordelais is estimated to be in his late 50s or early 60s. He is of African descent and is known to follow the Christian faith. Although exact details about his early life remain private, his professional background is rooted in law. As a Canadian attorney, Bordelais has kept a discreet profile, preferring to let his legal work speak for itself.
He is also the brother of Sylvie Bordelais, a well-known attorney who played a critical role during Karla Homolka’s legal proceedings. Sylvie acted as Homolka’s defense attorney during her widely publicized trial in the 1990s, which is also likely how Thierry and Karla first met.
Marriage to Karla Homolka and Its Controversial Origins
Karla Homolka, born May 4, 1970, was convicted in connection with the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of several young girls, including her own sister Tammy Homolka. These crimes were committed alongside her then-husband, Paul Bernardo, a serial rapist and murderer. Despite her deep involvement, Homolka received a plea deal in exchange for testifying against Bernardo, ultimately serving only 12 years in prison.
Homolka’s relationship with Thierry Bordelais reportedly began while she was still incarcerated. By the time she was released from prison in 2005, the couple had developed a strong enough connection to get married that same year. The marriage quickly drew intense public criticism, with many questioning Bordelais’s motives and judgment.
Life After Marriage and Parenting Challenges
The couple went on to have three children—two sons and one daughter. Despite the possibility of starting a fresh chapter, life after prison for Homolka and Bordelais was far from ordinary. The family faced harassment from the media, hostile reactions from neighbors, and scrutiny from the broader Canadian public. These challenges made it difficult for the couple to settle into any one location for long.
In a notable move in January 2020, Karla Homolka reportedly relocated to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec. Reports suggest she moved away from Thierry and their children, potentially as a strategic decision to help protect the kids from the ongoing backlash tied to her criminal history. This arrangement added another layer of complexity to their family dynamics, though it does not necessarily confirm a separation or divorce.
Parenting has come with significant challenges for the couple. Their children have allegedly faced bullying, expulsion attempts from schools, and constant speculation about their mother’s past. These issues have required the family to live under a cloak of anonymity, and Bordelais has maintained a deliberate silence throughout, avoiding interviews and public commentary.
Net Worth and Current Life
While concrete figures regarding Thierry Bordelais’s net worth remain undisclosed, it is estimated to fall between $1 million and $2 million, largely accumulated through his work in the legal field and private investments. Given his desire for privacy and lack of public-facing ventures, it’s no surprise that his financial details are closely guarded.
The family continues to reside primarily in Quebec, although their residential status is often speculative due to frequent moves and efforts to remain under the radar. As of 2025, there are no confirmed updates indicating any change to Thierry’s professional standing or public activities.
A Marriage in the Eye of the Storm
Thierry Bordelais’s decision to marry Karla Homolka remains one of the most controversial choices ever made by someone outside of the immediate scope of her criminal history. Public sentiment surrounding Homolka remains hostile due to the brutal nature of the crimes, and anyone close to her—including her husband—continues to face the repercussions.
While some speculate that Bordelais’s relationship was formed through empathy or belief in rehabilitation, others remain critical, arguing that aligning with someone convicted of such serious offenses is inexcusable. Nevertheless, their marriage has lasted nearly two decades, quietly persisting in spite of the ever-present judgment.
The Legal Intelligence of Karla Homolka
An often-cited detail about Homolka is her reported IQ of 132, suggesting a level of high intelligence that may have contributed to her securing a favorable plea deal. Critics argue that this intelligence allowed her to manipulate legal outcomes, making the justice system’s handling of her case a point of lasting controversy.
Her intellectual profile also raises questions about how she positioned herself within her personal relationships—both with Paul Bernardo and later with Thierry Bordelais. Whether her intelligence factored into her relationship with Bordelais remains speculative but relevant within the broader discourse on their union.