A couple in their 70s from Dieppe were each shot once by a man instructed by a drug network to target their son, as stated by a Crown prosecutor during a Moncton jury trial. Prosecutor Brad Burgess presented the Crown’s case to the jurors, displaying images of Bernard Saulnier, 78, found on the bedroom floor and his wife, Rose-Marie Saulnier, 74, on a bed.
Burgess highlighted the tragic scene to the jury, emphasizing the elderly couple’s untimely demise in their night attire within their residence. He proceeded to outline the upcoming testimony, forensic evidence, and other materials to be showcased over the trial’s three-month duration.
Facing two charges of first-degree murder is Janson Bryan Baker, a 29-year-old from Moncton. The trial commenced with jury selection, and Baker has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Burgess mentioned the expected testimony of Nadine Vosburgh, who had a relationship with Sylvio Saulnier, the couple’s son. Vosburgh discovered the bodies of the Saulniers on September 7, 2019, at their home.
The prosecutor detailed the events leading up to the tragic incident, including police raids on a drug-trafficking network linked to Sylvio Saulnier. Allegations of Sylvio being a police informant and causing rifts within the network were mentioned by Burgess.
Furthermore, Burgess mentioned recordings of hostile communications towards Sylvio Saulnier, indicating a deepening animosity. Testimonies from witnesses, including one who shared a prison stint with Baker, were highlighted to provide insight into the alleged plot to harm Sylvio.
Baker’s alleged involvement in the crime included breaking into the Saulniers’ home to locate Sylvio, but finding his unsuspecting parents instead. Testimonies from witnesses and evidence linking Baker to the crime scene, such as stolen jewelry and forensic findings, were presented to the jury.
The trial is expected to continue with additional testimonies and evidence to shed light on the tragic events.