Jury finds Zakkary Reed guilty of first-degree murder

A jury in Saint John found Zakkary Reed guilty Thursday morning of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Alexander Bishop in August 2023. 

The 32-year-old Reed kept his head down and didn't lift it throughout the six minutes the jury was in the courtroom .

He also didn't stand when asked to do so when the jury left. 

Reed's sentencing hearing is set for March 14. First-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with no possibility of parole for 25 years. 

After the verdict, the victim's father, Daryl Bishop, spoke outside the courtroom, saying he is "thoroughly content with the process."

"Justice has been done."

Bishop said he was looking for a conviction on first-degree murder, "and that's what was given by the jury. And I'm so thankful that they saw it that way."

WATCH | What the jurors heard — and a few things they didn't — in the Reed murder trial: 

Toothaches and picky eating: This Saint John murder trial dragged on for 3 weeks

2 days ago

Duration 2:16

Zakkary Reed admitted to shooting Alexander Bishop but testified it was in self-defence.

Bishop said he thinks every day about his son, who was 38.

"Alex was a wonderful boy and son, and he's in my mind every day."

But Alex's life took a turn, Bishop said. 

 "It's just unfortunate that drugs entered his life and unfortunately, this was the consequences."

Bishop said it was hard to watch his son's life change and not be able to do anything about it. 

"That is the hardest part about being a parent … But my advice to all parents is to watch their children as they're growing up and make sure that they stay away from drugs. That is a killer."

Bishop was pronounced dead at the scene, an apartment at 170 King St. East, after being shot in the chest on Aug, 20, 2023. 

The jury heard from 32 witnesses over a trial that started on Jan. 6. 

Reed was the only defence witness.

There were several delays during the trial, including some caused by Reed. Three days into the trial, Reed said he was feeling faint because he didn't like the lunch packed for him by the jail staff. 

On Jan. 14, Reed complained of a headache and the jury was once again sent home early. Two days later, Reed said he had a toothache and along with an early end that day, the jury was given the next day off for Reed to get his tooth pulled.