Murder trial underway for man accused of killing RCMP Const. Rick O’Brien

The murder trial is underway for the man accused of shooting and killing RCMP Const. Rick O’Brien two years ago.

Officers were executing a search warrant on a Coquitlam condo on Sept. 22, 2023, when O’Brien, who was in full uniform, was the first to enter the suite.

He was shot with an AR-15 style rifle and a second officer was shot in the arm.

Nicholas Bellemare is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and reckless discharge of a firearm.

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On the first day of the trial, Monday, the Crown said the case would revolve around whether Bellemare knew O’Brien was a police officer, whether he intended to murder the constable and whether he was acting in self-defence.

On Tuesday, Crown showed some disturbing video and warned O’Brien’s family members before playing it.

Elevator and lobby security video showed O’Brien and other officers entering the building and elevator as they are about to execute a search warrant.

O’Brien is seen in full uniform.

Next, the elevator video showed O’Brien lying on the lobby floor. Officers dragged him into the elevator and paramedics met them in the lobby.

Additional video showed officers with Bellemare later, entering the elevator with his hands tied behind his back.

On Wednesday, additional officers who were at the scene are expected to testify.