Homeowner faces gun, drug charges after fatal Moncton-area home invasion

A 34-year-old man whose Moncton-area residence was the scene of a fatal home invasion this year faces a series of weapons and drug charges. 

Andrew Minifie, 34, faces 18 charges that allege offences occurring on Feb. 8.

That's two days after RCMP say a man was killed during a home invasion at an Isaiah Road home in Berry Mills that property records show Minifie owns.

Police say one of the three people who forcibly entered the home was killed during an "altercation" with one of the two residents, and that two others fled.

Awaiting more evidence

Minifie's case was back in Moncton provincial court Friday for an election, choosing his mode of trial, on the charges. 

Minifie wasn't present in court, but a lawyer appeared by phone on his behalf. 

Lawyer Stan MacDonald said the Crown had only partially disclosed its evidence. Judge Paul Duffie adjourned the case to give time for that evidence to be disclosed. The case returns to court Aug. 15. 

The charges sworn May 30 allege unsafe storage of several firearms, possessing prohibited knives and extendable batons. Other charges allege Minifie had firearms for a dangerous purpose. 

He also faces a charge of possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and another of possessing cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

RCMP said they believe the Feb. 6 home invasion was a "targeted incident."

Police said officers were called just before 6 a.m. to an Isaiah Road home, where it was reported three people had broken into a residence occupied by a man and woman in their 30s.

Police said Brian Johnson, 35, from Halifax was killed during the home invasion. Two others fled the scene. 

RCMP issued an emergency alert about the intruders that described them as armed "with dangerous intent."

Police haven't offered any updates about them.