Chipman-area murder trial delayed over additional evidence

A trial for two people accused of murdering a New Brunswick man has been delayed over the need for lawyers to review newly disclosed evidence in the case.

Joshua McIsaac and Erica Blyth were supposed to go on trial on April 23 for first-degree murder in the death of Brandon Donelan..

However, on Wednesday, Court of King's Bench Justice Richard Petrie agreed to delay the trial to allow Crown and defence lawyers time to review additional evidence that has surfaced in the case.

"An adjournment of a trial of this magnitude is a big deal. It's something we try to avoid at all costs," said Crown prosecutor James McConnell, noting the impact on the victim's family.

"It's not something that we would raise lightly, but in order to have a fair trial, unfortunately, it's unavoidable."

Donelan's body was found in a wooded area between Minto and Chipman on March 31, 2022, about two months after he'd been reported as missing.

McIsaac and Blyth were jointly charged with first-degree murder, and six weeks had been set aside later this month for their jury trial.

McConnell agreed to review the new evidence and return to court on April 23 to provide it to defence lawyers for their own review.

A publication ban prevents CBC News from reporting on the nature of the evidence ahead of the trial.

Nathan Gorham, lawyer for McIsaac, and TJ Burke, lawyer for Blyth, both agreed to the delay, and confirmed their clients would waive their Charter right to be tried within a reasonable time.

Given the amount of new information that must be reviewed, both parties agreed not to schedule new trial dates until sometime after their next appearance.

McIsaac and Blyth appeared at the Burton courthouse in person for Wednesday's proceedings. The two have been in custody since being charged in June 2023.