A man from Saint John is charged with first-degree murder following the discovery of two boys’ bodies inside a residence in the city’s north end on Wednesday morning, as per police reports. Responding to a 911 call in Millidgeville at approximately 7 a.m., officers forcibly entered the residence and found the victims, aged 10 and 17, confirmed Staff Sgt. Sarah Hobbs during a press briefing on Thursday.
Additionally, authorities found a 46-year-old man in critical condition at the Skaling Court residence. He was promptly apprehended, provided with medical aid, and transported to a medical facility. Hobbs mentioned that the accused had prior acquaintance with the victims but refrained from disclosing the exact nature of their relationship to safeguard the victims’ identities.
The method of the boys’ deaths and whether the accused’s injuries were self-inflicted were not disclosed by Hobbs, citing the ongoing investigation and impending legal proceedings. The accused, currently hospitalized and in custody, will face murder charges in court at a later date, as confirmed by Hobbs.
Although motives remain undisclosed, Hobbs assured that there are no lingering public safety concerns from the incident. She did not disclose the identity of the 911 caller or the presence of any other individuals at the residence during the incident but justified the forced entry by the received information.
Expressing condolences to the victims’ families and friends, Hobbs described the incident as “extremely tragic and heartbreaking,” acknowledging the community’s desire for more answers. Internal support has been extended to the responding officers.
Law enforcement personnel continued their presence at the scene on Skaling Court off McIntosh Street on Thursday, with forensic identification officers gathering evidence. Investigations are ongoing, with the forensic identification services, major crime unit, and family protection unit collaborating with the coroner’s office.
Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact Saint John police at 1-506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 for assistance.