A senior couple in Dieppe, both in their 70s, were shot by an individual hired by a criminal organization to target their son, as stated by a Crown prosecutor addressing a Moncton jury on Tuesday. Brad Burgess, the prosecutor, presented the Crown’s case to the jurors, displaying images of the deceased Bernard Saulnier, 78, on the bedroom floor alongside his wife, Rose-Marie Saulnier, 74, on a bed.
During a 20-minute opening statement, Burgess outlined the forthcoming witness testimonies, forensic evidence, and other proof to be introduced throughout the three-month trial. Janson Bryan Baker, a 29-year-old from Moncton, is facing two charges of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths. His trial commenced with jury selection on Saturday, and he has pleaded not guilty.
Burgess mentioned Nadine Vosburgh as an anticipated witness who would testify about her relationship with Sylvio Saulnier, a son of the deceased couple who resided with them. Vosburgh reportedly discovered the bodies of the Saulniers at their residence on the morning of September 7, 2019.
The prosecutor detailed the strained relations between Sylvio and the drug-trafficking network led by Jesse Logue, indicating suspicions of Sylvio being a police informant and involvement in the network’s raids. Burgess outlined how animosity towards Sylvio escalated within the network, leading to a conflict that ultimately resulted in the deaths of his parents.
Witness accounts, Facebook messages, and phone recordings are expected to shed light on Baker’s alleged involvement in the killings. Testimonies from witnesses who were with Baker that night at the Saulniers’ home, including details of stolen items and Baker’s actions, are crucial to the prosecution’s case.
The trial is set to continue with further testimonies and evidence presentations, aiming to uncover the truth behind the tragic events of that fateful night.