In a Moncton double murder trial, a witness testified on Monday that the accused individual confessed to the killings while they were incarcerated together. Janson Bryan Baker, 29, from Moncton, is facing charges of two counts of first-degree murder for the alleged deaths of Bernard Saulnier, 78, and Rose-Marie Saulnier, 74, on September 7, 2019, in Dieppe. Baker has pleaded not guilty to the accusations.
The fifth Crown witness in the ongoing trial revealed that he had conversations with Baker in prison in 2020 regarding the alleged crimes. During these discussions, Baker reportedly admitted to being responsible for a double murder in Dieppe.
Due to a publication ban, the witness’s identity and specific details related to him cannot be disclosed. Another publication ban restricts the reporting of significant parts of the witness’s testimony. The witness detailed that Baker mentioned going to the Saulniers’ residence with another individual named Zachery Trevors, who thought they were only there to survey the house.
According to the witness, Baker described cutting a screen door at the back of the Saulniers’ home and entering while disguised in a clown mask. The witness recounted Baker’s narrative of the couple being confronted by him, with Bernard Saulnier warning him, “You’re going to regret this.” Baker allegedly instructed the couple to kneel down, after which he shot and killed them both.
Baker purportedly shared with the witness that Rose-Marie Saulnier screamed and raised her hands to her face before the incident. The witness mentioned that Baker expressed having nightmares about the scream. Baker claimed to have fled the scene but returned later to check for police presence and re-entered the house.
It was disclosed that Baker took a gold watch and chain from Bernard Saulnier’s body before departing. Testimonies from other individuals indicated Trevors and Baker visiting their residence on the morning of the incident, with photographic evidence supporting Baker wearing gold chains. The witness, who remains unnamed, testified that Baker confessed to being apprehensive about a Facebook photo showing him wearing the gold chain.
Furthermore, RCMP Cpl. Kelcie Levesque testified about discovering an abandoned vehicle linked to the case. The vehicle, a Hyundai Sonata, had been reported stolen and was found near Trevors’ residence. The witness confirmed that Baker and Trevors used the Hyundai Sonata during the crime.
The witness mentioned that Baker, upon being arrested and imprisoned, retained the Sonata key, which was recorded in his personal items inventory. Baker allegedly instructed Trevors to dispose of the car. Details emerged that the gun used in the murders was dismantled and discarded in the woods.
The witness highlighted that he saw value in the information provided by Baker and eventually shared it with the RCMP to secure a reduced prison sentence. He mentioned feeling compelled to come forward due to the victims’ age similarity to his grandparents. The witness also cited disagreements with Baker over drug-related matters and other issues.
This testimony sheds light on the ongoing legal proceedings in the Moncton double murder trial, revealing intricate details surrounding the alleged crimes and the involvement of the accused, Janson Bryan Baker.
