A Burton man, Jared Smith, has changed his plea from second-degree murder to manslaughter in the case involving the death of Sheri Lynn Sabattis, a member of the Wolastoqey community from Oromocto First Nation. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced this development on Thursday.
The body of Sabattis, aged 54, was discovered in a residence within the Wolastoqey community on April 27, 2024, leading to Smith’s prompt arrest by the RCMP on the same day. The RCMP has not provided details on the reasons for the altered charge against Smith.
Smith admitted to the charge of manslaughter during a tele-remand appearance in Burton Court, as disclosed by the RCMP. He is currently in custody awaiting his next court hearing scheduled for November 9. Previously, a trial for the second-degree murder charge was set to commence next month.