Janson Bryan Baker faces two charges of first degree murder in connection with the deaths of Bernard and Rose-Marie Saulnier, which occurred in Dieppe, New Brunswick, on September 7, 2019. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also confirms that the accused has links to a drug trafficking network.
The bodies of residents aged 78 and 74 were discovered in their residence on Amirault Street. This double murder caused shock waves in the community.
Janson Bryan Baker will appear in Moncton provincial court on September 14.
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Janson Bryan Baker is accused of the double murder of Bernard and Rose-Marie Saulnier, which occurred in 2019. (Archive photo)
Photo: Contribution: RCMP
Janson Bryan Baker was already incarcerated at the Renous Federal Penitentiary when the charges were filed.
Janson Bryan Baker also faces charges of attempted murder against a Riverview teacher, in connection with an incident that occurred in January 2021. His trial in this case is scheduled to begin in January 2024.
The RCMP do not believe that the murder of the Saulniers is linked to this other case.
Links to a drug trafficking network
In the case of the murder of the Saulniers, the RCMP is stingy with comments on the ongoing investigation or the possible motivations of the accused.
The investigation showed us that these murders were not the result of chance, but I cannot say more.
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Jean-Marc Paré, of the Major Crimes Unit of the RCMP in New Brunswick, assured that he could not say more about the investigation into the double murder of the Saulnier couple in 2019 in Dieppe.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Pascal Raiche-Nogue
However, police confirm that the accused is linked to people targeted by Operation “J Trilogy”. This operation allowed the RCMP to dismantle a drug trafficking network in 2019.
Sylvio Saulnier, one of the sons of Bernard and Rose-Marie Saulnier, was arrested during this operation and accused of conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with the aim of trafficking.
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Sylvio Saulnier, one of the sons of Bernard Saulnier and Rose-Marie Saulnier, leaves the Moncton courthouse. (File photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Shane Magee
A house belonging to Sylvio Saulnier in downtown Moncton was targeted by a major search just days before the murder of his parents.
Sylvio Saulnier was found dead in Campbellton last January. He had not yet stood trial.
A very complex investigation
For four years, the police had followed numerous leads to try to elucidate the mystery surrounding the double murder.
In May 2022, the RCMP released a photo of a gray Hyundai car that could have been linked to the case.
A month later, police released photos of jewelry that belonged to the victims, seized during a search of a burned home in Lake George.
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) organized a press conference on Thursday four years after the death of the Saulnier couple. RCMP say a man has been charged in their murders.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Pascal Raiche-Nogue
This investigation was exceptionally complex. Our investigators worked tirelessly to determine what led to the deaths of Bernard and Rose-Marie Saulnier. We hope that these accusations could provide answers to loved ones
said Jean-Marc Paré, of the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit in New Brunswick, during a press briefing Thursday afternoon.
It is understandable that there will be feelings of fear, stress and frustration. It’s difficult for a community like ours. The murder of our residents shocked many people, they asked questions, but they also provided important information
added Chantal Farrah, officer at the Codiac RCMP detachment.
The investigation continues
The investigation continues. I can’t elaborate more on the details of what investigators are doing right away, as the matter will be before the court
specifies Jean-Marc Paré.
Authorities are asking people who may have information relevant to the investigation to contact the RCMP.
With information from Pascal Raiche-Nogue
