The mother of the man who killed three RCMP officers in Moncton says she’s not ready to speak publicly about her son’s upcoming sentencing.
Denise Bourque told Global News on Friday she will not be in court on Monday when her son Justin Bourque is scheduled to appear.
READ MORE: Moncton RCMP shootings coverage
Speaking through the partially opened door of her Moncton home, she said the sentencing will be very difficult for the family.
She said her husband — Justin’s father — Victor Bourque would be attending court, where it is expected the agreed statement of facts will be read and victim impact statements will be filed.
During the brief conversation, Denise Bourque also confirmed her daughter was recently married, which was a happy time for the family.
READ MORE: RCMP launches sweeping review into shooting deaths of Moncton officers
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Justin Bourque pleaded guilty in August to murdering three RCMP officers and wounding two others in a shooting rampage in Moncton.
He was arrested following a manhunt that spanned 30 hours and brought the city of 69,000 to a virtual standstill.
READ MORE: Bourque targeted Moncton Mounties using semi-automatic rifle: document
The Crown has given notice it will seek three consecutive life sentences on the first-degree murder charges, which means Bourque, 24, would not be eligible for parole for 75 years.
Constables Dave Ross, Fabrice Gevaudan and Douglas Larche were killed after responding to a report of a man with firearms in a residential neighbourhood in the northwest area of Moncton on June 4.
READ MORE: RCMP officers injured in Moncton shootings write letters of thanks
Constables Eric Dubois and Darlene Goguen were wounded and later released from hospital.
A regimental funeral for the three slain Mounties saw 2,700 law enforcement officers from across Canada and the United States attend the service at a hockey arena in Moncton.
READ MORE: Widows of fallen Moncton Mounties ‘grateful’ for fundraising support
Comments in an affidavit signed by Victor Bourque that was filed in provincial court in July provided a view into his son’s behaviour before the shootings.
Just days before, he said his son was ranting against authority and growing paranoid.
In the two-page document, the father said he did not notice any serious mental or emotional problems with his son until about 18 months prior to the shootings when he said Justin Bourque’s condition began deteriorating.
With files from The Canadian Press and Shelley Steeves, Global News
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