A preliminary inquiry has commenced in Moncton for two individuals accused of the homicide of Melissa Price earlier this year. Leandra Beaulieu, aged 37, and Devlin O’Blenis, aged 36, are jointly charged with second-degree murder. The body of Price, aged 39 at the time of her death, was discovered in a residential area garbage bin in Moncton on February 15.
The purpose of the preliminary inquiry is to assess the available evidence for potential trial proceedings and is scheduled to span five days. During the proceedings at Moncton provincial court, Crown prosecutors Stephen Holt submitted a USB containing videos and a booklet of photos to Judge Brigitte Volpé. The evidence is currently under a publication ban until the conclusion of the trial or the discharge of Beaulieu and O’Blenis if the case does not proceed to trial.
Although both accused had initially waived their right to a preliminary inquiry, the Crown expressed its intention to proceed with one to hear witness testimonies. Originally facing separate first-degree charges, Beaulieu and O’Blenis now face a joint second-degree murder charge since May. Additionally, Joshua Martin is implicated as an accessory after the fact and for indignity to a human body.
The incident is alleged to have occurred on February 14, the day before the victim’s body was discovered. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances of Price’s death or her relationship with the accused. Several of Price’s family members, including her parents, Pat and Peter Price, were present at the commencement of the preliminary inquiry.
Throughout the proceedings, Beaulieu and O’Blenis sat in the prisoner’s enclosure accompanied by sheriffs. The pair engaged in whispered conversations and occasionally glanced towards the audience during the hearing.