RCMP investigator testifies at Moncton double-murder trial

An RCMP officer in a Dieppe, N.B., double-murder investigation testified at a trial on Wednesday.

The jury in the Janson Baker double-murder trial heard testimony Wednesday from a member of the RCMP’s Major Crime Unit who had multiple roles in the investigation of the murders of Bernard and Rose-Marie Saulnier.

The couple’s bodies were discovered in their Dieppe home on Sept. 7, 2019. Both were shot in the head.

The 29-year-old Baker has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in their deaths.

Cpl. Andrew Paynter testified about the numerous interviews he did over several months with an inmate who told police he knew key details of the murders.

The inmate, who cannot be named due to a publication ban, previously testified that Baker confessed to him that he was responsible for the Saulniers’ deaths.

The witness and Baker interacted while both were incarcerated.

During a lengthy cross examination, defence attorney Brian Munro asked Paynter what the witness wanted in exchange for providing information and how much his sentence could possibly be reduced.

Munro said that the witness had information “he wanted to provide” and wanted to make clear to police he had significant details.

“He wanted something for the information,” said Paynter. “He wasn’t doing it out of the goodness of his heart.”

Paynter said an agreement was eventually made after months of discussions and the witness had his sentence reduced, but he wasn’t exactly sure by how much.

Munro also asked if witness protection was a possibility for the witness.

“It was an option, yes,” said Paynter.

Munro also asked Paynter if the witness had contacted Sylvio Saulnier, son of Bernard and Rose-Marie, about obtaining money from him in exchange for information.

“I believe he was looking for money,” said Paynter.

On Tuesday, court heard significant testimony from Zachery Trevors, a childhood friend of Baker’s who said the accused drove him to the Saulniers’ home during the early morning hours of the murders.

Trevors testified that he saw Baker inside the Saulniers’ home and a few moments later said he heard a scream and two bangs that sounded like gunshots.

Munro told the court Trevors and the unnamed witness shared a cell at the Southeast Regional Correctional Center in Shediac from Jan. 14 to Jan. 16 and asked Paynter why a written transcript of the witness’ statement to police was allowed to be in the cell with them.

Paynter said he wasn’t sure how that happened.

“A potential faux pas, to say the least,” said Munro.

Baker, wearing a grey suit and tie, took notes throughout the day.

The trial is expected to last until the end of March.

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