SAINT JOHN, N.B. – Dennis Oland has been ordered to stand trial on a charge of second-degree murder in his father’s death.
Richard Oland was found dead in his Saint John, N.B., office on July 7, 2011.
The 69-year-old was a prominent businessman, an officer of the Order of Canada and part of the well-known Maritime family that owns Moosehead Breweries.
Dennis Oland, who sat in the front row of provincial court with his wife Lisa and mother Constance, did not offer any reaction after the ruling.
Gary Miller, Oland’s lawyer, spoke to media after the decision.
“Obviously we are extremely disappointed with Judge LeBlanc’s decision but plain and simple we have been very confident that Dennis will be vindicated at trial,” he said.
His family issued a statement saying that they know he is innocent and they are devastated they will have to endure a trial.
“The question of who is really responsible for Dick’s death haunts us. We despair at the time that has been lost and worry the perpetrator of this terrible crime may now never be found and brought to justice,” the statement reads.
Dennis Oland was arrested about a year ago and granted bail.
Provincial court Judge Ronald LeBlanc placed a publication ban on the evidence presented at Dennis Oland’s preliminary inquiry, which lasted 37 days and heard from 42 witnesses.
He has been ordered to return to court Feb. 2 to enter a plea.
Saint John police Chief Bill Reid said in November 2013 that Richard Oland died after repeated blows, but he wouldn’t elaborate.
With files from Shelley Steeves, Global News
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