The City of Fredericton and its police department are marking a “very dark day” in the city’s history.
Two years ago, four residents, including two members of the Fredericton Police Force, were shot and killed at 237 Brookside Drive.
Const. Robb Costello and Const. Sara Burns were gunned down as they responded to a call of shots fired from the home. Bobbie Lee Wright and Donnie Robichaud were also killed.
On Monday, the Fredericton Police Force announced that it is dedicating the Fredericton Police Force Honour Roll on the ground floor of its headquarters to Costello and Burns, as well as Const. Perley S. Calhoun, who was killed during a training exercise in 1981.
The permanent memorial pays tribute to the sacrifice officers paid during service with the department.
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MP Jenica Atwin, who represents Fredericton in the House of Commons, said that Aug. 10 is a day that residents will not forget.
“It has been two years but our city is still healing. May justice prevail,” Atwin said in a tweet.
“To all those affected, the families of victims, front line officers and first responders, we are still #FrederictonStrong.”
Atwin finished her tweet with #FrederictonStrong, a social media hashtag that gained steam in the wake of the shooting in 2018.
In an interview with Global News on Monday she said that the incident “seems like it was just yesterday.”
“I was just glued to the television, looking for updates, connecting with people, everyone that isn’t from Fredericton was checking in with loved ones to see if people were safe,” Atwin said.
“I think that the pain is still quite raw.”
This day would have normally had thousands of people turn out for “Hands and Hearts Across the City,” a vigil where people line up and hold hands from the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge to the shores of the Saint John River.
But the COVID-19 pandemic put that tradition on hold. Instead, a new one has been created.
“We created a fundraiser for the Red Cross, this community all donated to food and water and things for those people at 237 Brookside Drive. We raised over $5,000,” said Coun. Bruce Grand, who oversees Fredericton’s Ward 3.
Atwin said she hopes people still connect on Monday, whether it be through social media, over the phone or talking to one another while observing social distancing rules.
“There is a sense of fear and we want this trial to go well, we want justice to be served for the victims and their families, and of course we think about our first responders,” she said.
The man accused in the shootings is scheduled to appear for a fitness hearing on Aug. 17.
To be considered fit to stand trial, Mattew Vincent Raymond must be found to understand the charges against him and the consequences of the case, and be capable of instructing his lawyer.
Raymond faces four counts of first-degree murder.
If found mentally fit, Raymond’s trial will begin on Sept. 29.
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