A high-stakes criminal trial in Moncton has revealed a web of drug trafficking, internal betrayal, and police operations that allegedly culminated in the 2019 double homicide of Bernard and Rose-Marie Saulnier. Prosecutors detailed how a massive law enforcement crackdown on a regional narcotics network set off a chain of events that left the elderly couple dead in their Dieppe home.
The ‘J-Trilogy’ Investigation and the Saulnier Connection
In the months leading up to the murders, authorities were conducting an extensive investigation into a drug syndicate reportedly led by Jesse Logue. The operation, which utilized wiretaps and undercover surveillance, reached its peak on August 28, 2019, when police executed simultaneous raids across five locations. These raids resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of firearms and significant quantities of crystal meth.
Testimony revealed that one of the primary hubs for this network was a duplex in Moncton owned by Sylvio Saulnier, the son of the victims. The property was described as a sophisticated drug house featuring a fortified steel door and a system where employees used timecards to track their shifts. According to investigators, Sylvio Saulnier served as the organization’s financial manager, with drug profits flowing directly into his bank accounts.
Retaliation and the Search for a ‘Rat’
While Sylvio Saulnier was not initially arrested during the August raids, the fallout within the criminal organization was immediate. The prosecution alleges that members of the drug ring began to suspect Sylvio had cooperated with the police, labeling him a “rat.” This internal rift reportedly led to a directive to find and eliminate him.
The court heard that Janson Baker, who is currently facing two counts of first-degree murder, was allegedly dispatched to carry out the hit. However, when the target could not be found, his parents, 78-year-old Bernard and 74-year-old Rose-Marie, were killed instead. Witnesses have suggested that the couple was viewed as collateral damage in the network’s attempt to exact revenge on their son.
Key Witnesses and Physical Evidence
During the proceedings, jurors heard from a witness who claimed Baker confessed to the killings while the two were incarcerated together. The witness alleged that Baker described entering the home wearing a disguise and shooting the couple after a brief confrontation. Further testimony suggested that Baker was compensated for the act with cocaine and a gold neck chain.
Forensic investigators also presented evidence found at a residence in Lake George, where Baker had been staying. Items recovered from a fire pit included a partially burned license plate linked to a vehicle seen near the crime scene. Additionally, police found jewelry at the site, which they later investigated to determine if it belonged to Rose-Marie Saulnier.
Unresolved disappearances and Legal Aftermath
The trial has also cast light on other figures connected to the Logue network. One associate, Brady Sherman-Tompkins, was reported missing shortly after the Saulnier murders. His disappearance was later classified as a homicide in 2022 and remains unsolved.
As for Sylvio Saulnier, though he was eventually charged following the initial drug raids, he never stood trial. Officials confirmed that the charges against him were withdrawn following his death by suicide. The trial for Janson Baker continues as the court examines the remaining forensic evidence and witness testimonies regarding the tragic events of September 2019.
