Police in New Brunswick say the victim of a Saturday night shooting in Saint John likely knew his killer.
Saint John police responded to a report of shots fired in the city’s south end around 8 p.m. Saturday. When they arrived on the scene, they found the body of a 31-year-old man at the corner of Pitt and Leinster Streets.
Police also found a lone bullet casing at the scene, just metres from where the victim was found.
“It’s believed to be a shooting involving a handgun at this point and time,” Sgt. Jay Henderson told CTV News Sunday. “It doesn’t appear to a random act of violence. It’s believed the shooter, as well as the victim knew one another.”
Witnesses told CTV News they heard four loud “bangs” the night of the murder, which they believed to be gunshots. They also say the victim’s body was left on the ground for about four hours before it was taken away.
Margret McQuinn walks her dog in the neighbourhood and says she wasn’t surprised to hear of the shooting.
“It’s the norm for the south end. It doesn’t surprise me,” says McQuinn. “Things go on here all the time.”
Police have arrested one person for questioning and they say there are other persons of interest who will also be interviewed in connection with the case.
An autopsy was scheduled yesterday.
The victim’s name is being withheld at the request of his family.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Dunbar
