A man allegedly directed by a drug network to target the son of a Dieppe couple in their 70s shot and killed them, as revealed by Crown prosecutor Brad Burgess to a Moncton jury. Burgess, during the Crown’s opening statement, displayed images of Bernard Saulnier, 78, found on the bedroom floor, and his wife, Rose-Marie Saulnier, 74, discovered on a bed in their home. The prosecutor emphasized the tragic scene of the elderly couple being murdered in their nightclothes at their residence.
Burgess meticulously outlined the witness testimonies, forensic evidence, and other crucial details that would be presented throughout the three-month trial. The accused, Janson Bryan Baker, 29, faces two charges of first-degree murder and has pleaded not guilty. The trial proceedings commenced with jury selection, with Burgess indicating that Nadine Vosburgh would testify about her relationship with Sylvio Saulnier, the couple’s son living with them at the time.
The events unfolded on September 7, 2019, when Vosburgh discovered the bodies in the Saulniers’ home. Burgess shared that Rose-Marie was shot in the ear, and Bernard was shot through the eye, causing emotional reactions in the courtroom. The prosecutor delved into the son’s alleged involvement in the drug trade and his connection to a network led by Jesse Logue, which had faced police scrutiny and raids leading up to the tragic incident.
The prosecution highlighted the growing animosity towards Sylvio by Logue and his associates post-raids, suspecting him of betrayal and theft. Burgess detailed how Baker, allegedly acting under Nicholas Bain’s orders, aimed to locate and harm Sylvio as retribution. Baker reportedly visited the Saulniers’ home to find Sylvio but encountered his unsuspecting parents instead, resulting in their deaths.
Witness testimonies are expected to shed light on Baker’s actions, including breaking into the couple’s home, stealing jewelry, and the subsequent aftermath. The trial will further explore the recovered evidence linking Baker to the crime scene, including a fingerprint match in a vehicle and ballistic evidence. The prosecution aims to provide a comprehensive account of the events leading to the double homicide, emphasizing the intricate dynamics within the drug network and the tragic consequences endured by the Saulnier family.
The trial is set to continue, with additional witnesses scheduled to testify as part of the prosecution’s case.