A 26-year-old man is facing charges in the death of a 17-year-old whose body was found in Saint John last year.
Gavin Adams disappeared on Dec. 14, 2013. His body was found two days later off of Chesley Drive in the city’s north end.
Richard Gerald Valiquette appeared in Saint John provincial court on Tuesday.
“The 26-year-old made an appearance in court and has been formally charged with manslaughter, as well as criminal negligence causing the death of Mr. Adams,” says Sgt. Jay Henderson.
Initially, police said foul play wasn’t suspected, but now investigators allege Valiquette gave Adams a drug which caused his death.
“This was an extensive investigation in consultation with the Crown’s office, as well as the medical examiner’s office,” says Henderson. “There’s been toxicology reports, we’ve had to ascertain experts in the field of certain drugs.”
Henderson says before Adams’ death, Saint John Police hadn’t had any experience with DMT, or 25i, in the city. He says the hallucinogenic drug is often mistaken for LSD.
“It’s utilized in the same format, as in blotter paper,” he says.
Family friend Geoff Britt says Adams’ family is grateful the police have made an arrest in the case.
“The family and friends encourage everyone to protect our children and to stand up and act quickly against these new and harmful threats that are apparent in our communities,” says Britt.
Valiquette is also facing charges of producing, possessing and trafficking DMT and possessing marijuana. He has not yet entered a plea on any of the charges.
Tuesday’s case was adjourned so Valiquette can hire a lawyer. He is due back in court on Jan. 6.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Dunbar
