Murder charges laid in killing of Saint John man after 5-month investigation

Police in Saint John, N.B., have charged several people in connection with a murder over the summer.

The Saint John Police Force responded to a stabbing at a residence on Charles Street in Saint John on Aug. 17, 2022, shortly before 4 p.m.

Police said that three masked men wearing dark clothing had forced their way inside the apartment, where the victim, 39-year-old Justin Breau, was stabbed. The suspects then fled on foot toward Garden Street.

Earlier this week, the police force announced that following a five-month investigation “involving hundreds of exhibits,” the major crime unit arrested three men in connection with the murder.

Charles William Shatford, 47, appeared in court Wednesday on one charge of first-degree murder. He was remanded to jail until Feb. 10.

Two other men were also arrested Wednesday and both appeared in court on Thursday.
Donald Robert Walker, 50, and 24-year-old Dustin Walker-Hammond are each charged with first-degree murder as well, and will return to court on Feb. 9.

On Friday morning, police issued another update saying a fourth man was arrested Thursday around 5 p.m. The 32-year-old remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

Another update, released just before 11:30 Friday, said another man is wanted for arrest in relation to the case.

Police said they issued an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Evan Louis Tobias on a charge of first degree murder in the death of Breau.

“He is asked to turn himself into police immediately at 1 Peel Plaza in Saint John or by calling 506-648-3333,” read the release from Saint John Police.

They ask residents to not approach the man if he is spotted, but to contact police.