In Moncton, a preliminary inquiry has commenced for two individuals accused of the murder of Melissa Price earlier this year. Leandra Beaulieu, aged 37, and Devlin O’Blenis, aged 36, are jointly charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of Price, who was 39 years old at the time. Price’s body was discovered in a garbage bin on a residential street in Moncton on February 15th.
The purpose of the preliminary inquiry is to assess the evidence and determine if it is sufficient to proceed to trial. The inquiry is expected to last five days. Crown prosecutor Stephen Holt provided videos stored on a USB drive and a collection of photos to Provincial Court Judge Brigitte Volpé in Moncton provincial court on Monday.
The evidence presented is currently under a publication ban until the conclusion of the trial or if the accused individuals are discharged before trial proceedings. Although both accused parties initially waived their right to a preliminary inquiry, the Crown has decided to move forward with it.
During the hearing, Holt informed Volpé that the Crown intends to hear testimony from witnesses on the official record. Warrants were issued for eight witnesses that the Crown initially planned to call for the preliminary inquiry but could not locate. By the afternoon session, police managed to locate two witnesses, who testified. Additionally, another witness provided testimony in the morning.
Initially facing separate first-degree murder charges, Beaulieu and O’Blenis now stand accused of second-degree murder following a reduction in charges in May. Another individual, Joshua Martin, is charged as an accessory after the fact and for indignity to a human body in relation to the case.
The incident is alleged to have occurred on February 14, the day before Price’s body was found. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not disclosed specific details surrounding the circumstances of Price’s death or her relationship with the accused individuals.
Family members of Melissa Price, including her parents, Pat and Peter Price, attended the preliminary inquiry’s first day. Beaulieu and O’Blenis were observed sitting in the prisoner’s box under the supervision of two sheriffs. Throughout the hearing, the accused exchanged whispers and glanced out into the gallery on several occasions.
