A tragic day which will live in infamy for New Brunswickers and Canadians is being remembered by the chief of the Fredericton Police Force.
Four people, including two members of the Fredericton Police Force, were shot and killed outside of a Brookside Drive apartment building on the city’s north side on Aug. 10, 2018.
“Our community continues to teach us the value of caring for one another, and what it means to give and support each other in times of need,” said Roger Brown, chief of the Fredericton Police Force.
“From the early days of our collective grief to the first anniversary and the very public trial, the people of Fredericton’s integrity and kindness have been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Both Const. Sara Burns and Const. Robb Costello were killed in the line of duty while responding to a call of shots fired. Civilians Donnie Robichaud and Bobbie Lee Wright were also killed.
Police later identified Matthew Vincent Raymond, 50, as the shooter, firing multiple rounds from a Simonov SKS semi-automatic rifle inside his apartment.
During a nine-week first-degree murder trial in December 2020, New Brunswick’s Court of Queen’s Bench ruled that Raymond was not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.
Upon reflection over the last four years, Brown said Frederictonians are resilient, show perseverance in the face of tragedy and have “never given up on each other.”
He adds grief, reflection and remembrance look different for everybody and how they have been impacted by the events of that day in 2018.
“We need to respect that everyone grieves and heals differently,” he said.
“Whatever way you choose to mark this day, do it with pride and let it be the platform to move forward with kindness and gratitude for this community and the wonderful citizens who call it home.”