Pointe-Sapin man charged with 1st-degree murder after shooting

A Pointe-Sapin man is facing a first-degree murder charge after allegedly killing another man in the eastern New Brunswick community on Saturday.

Alphonse Daigle, 70, was charged on Sunday in the homicide of 52-year-old André Després. 

Daigle appeared Tuesday in Moncton provincial court, and the case was adjourned until mid-May.

Richibucto RCMP said they were called to a residence in the community 133 kilometres north of Moncton at about 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, after reports of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they found one man dead at the residence. They arrested Daigle.

Defence asks for delay

In court on Tuesday, defence lawyer Daniel Gallant, appearing as an agent for TJ Burke, said he was not ready to set a date for a preliminary hearing. He asked for a one-month adjournment.

Crown prosecutor Annie St. Jacques requested a psychological evaluation for Daigle, explaining that he had no prior criminal record.

She said the Crown had information that Daigle was suffering from a mental health problem.

Gallant said he had consulted with his client about the matter and objected to the request. 

"We have a very different opinion," he said.

In the courtroom, 19 friends and family of Després were present. Many were crying during the proceedings.

Judge Luc Labonté said he would not consider the request until the next hearing. He granted the adjournment.

Daigle will remain in custody while waiting for a preliminary hearing, under the condition that he has no contact with three people.

He will return to court on May 14.