Not guilty plea expected in Fredericton shooting
Matthew Raymond, 48, is charged with four counts of murder Matthew Vincent Raymond is escorted from provincial court.
FREDERICTON— The lawyer for a Fredericton man accused of killing four people, including two city police officers, in a shooting spree this month, says he expects to eventually enter pleas of not guilty and request a preliminary hearing. Nathan Gorham, a New Brunswick-based lawyer who practises out of Saint John and Toronto, made the comment outside the courthouse shortly after Matthew Vincent Raymond made a brief court appearance Monday morning.
Raymond said nothing as he faced a Fredericton judge on four counts of murder in the deaths of Const. Sara Burns, Const. Robb Costello, Donnie Robichaud and Bobbie Lee Wright.
Raymond, 48, wore orange jail clothing and leg shackles as sheriffs officers helped him cautiously exit a sheriff’s van.
He looked down at the ground for much of the morning’s events, but observers noted he is slim, has short hair, is balding and has a greying beard.
The court appearance was the first time the media has been able to provide visual images of Raymond, other than a fuzzy yearbook picture from his teenage years.
The police officers and civilians were gunned down Aug. 10 outside an apartment complex. It ended after police shot the alleged gunman in the abdomen, according to court documents. Raymond moved slowly and tentatively as he was led in and out of the court.
Gorham said his client is in fairly poor physical condition but he is receiving medical treatment and is now out of hospital.
On Monday, Regional Sheriff George Oram cautioned everyone in the courtroom against any outbursts. Members of the victims’ families were among about 70 people assembled in the packed courtroom for his appearance. They left without speaking to reporters.
The defence presented Judge Julian Dickson with a piece of evidence but the provincial court judge imposed a publication ban on anything to do with it.
Gorham said they were unable to proceed with the case Monday because the lawyers are still awaiting disclosure — or release of the findings of the police investigation.
Dickson adjourned the case until Sept. 24.