RCMP boss briefed about python deaths hours before decision about charge changed
Snake's owner charged with criminal negligence causing death despite 3 RCMP opinions charge was not warranted
By Alan White, CBC News Posted: Feb 27, 2017 6:00 AM AT12 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Jim Johnston
The first five paras of this
article sure seemed slanted against the RCMP. This para - number nine
or ten should have been in the first couple to ensure people were
properly informed "In New Brunswick, it is the Crown that ultimately
decides whether a person is charged with a criminal offence." Sloppy
journalism by CBC. And you wonder how some people can cry from the
highest positions "Fake News". Don't give them any ammunition.
David Raymond Amos
@Jim Johnston What planet are
you from? FYI the CBC is a CROWN Corp just like their pals in the RCMP.
They all have the same puppet master. Ask yourself why this story leaks
out only have the man was found NOT GUILTY by a jury of his peers.
Dave Jones
@Jim Johnston.... Keep
reading Jim, you'll see the first three officers recommended don't
charge, but the ultimate opinion sent to the Crown by a fourth officer
said to charge. The story is not slanted so what's your agenda here.
David Webb
I think a more appropriate
head line should read," Crown decided to charge with a criminal offence,
in spite of RCMP reservations of proving criminal negligence". Perhaps
the writer of this article, and the editor that approved it, have a
hate on for the RCMP which caused the different slant. The crown, after
all, are the ones that made the decision.
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb Methinks
Paulson's action were purely political in nature plain and simple. Do
you recall what else was happening with the RCMP and its investigations
at the same point in time?
David Webb
@David Raymond Amos If you
are referring to the "Bathurst" situation, most defiantly. And of
course it was a political decision to let the crown decide if charges
were to be laid, but then that is their job to make that decision on
whether to proceed. They did, and the accused was found not guilty, so
the investigating officers from 3 investigations had it right. Still
does not excuse this slanted story that does not include the entire
facts. Poor journalism, from the media, AKA trying to stir the pot.
Need to get back to the facts (all of them) and nothing but the facts.
Dave Jones
@David Webb ... I don't think
you read the story through, after three opinions that said don't
charge, a fourth officer told the crown they should
charge...."Meanwhile, on Feb. 5, 2014, RCMP Insp. Marc Bertrand of
Tracadie was appointed the lead investigator in the case, according to
an affidavit by Bertrand that was submitted to the Court of Queen's
Bench on April 5, 2016.
In his affidavit, Bertrand said he believed a charge against Savoie was warranted.
"After my review of said file and of the evidence available, I came to the conclusion that reasonable and probable grounds did in fact exist to charge the Applicant of a criminal offence under paragraph 226(b) of the Criminal Code and I then send, with the support of my superiors, the file to the Crown for consideration."
In his affidavit, Bertrand said he believed a charge against Savoie was warranted.
"After my review of said file and of the evidence available, I came to the conclusion that reasonable and probable grounds did in fact exist to charge the Applicant of a criminal offence under paragraph 226(b) of the Criminal Code and I then send, with the support of my superiors, the file to the Crown for consideration."
john bourque
Police lie, get use to it.
David Raymond Amos
@john bourque I learned that
lesson during a coroner's inquiry in New Brunswick in July of 1982 after
the RCMP had hired me to investigate and then testify about their
actions.
David Raymond Amos
Perhaps folks should review what I have been telling the world about Bob Paulson for years?
David Raymond Amos
@David Raymond Amos If folks
want to look into the RCMP locally just Google a few names. Here are two
to start with related to this article
David Raymond Amos Wayne Gallant
David Raymond Amos Wayne Gallant
Jim Cyr
Justice is a joke in Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/leslie-matchim-rcmp-investigation-1.4001027
'It just defies logic': lawyer in python case says RCMP passed buck to courts
Leslie Matchim says CBC report corroborates his suspicion about why RCMP pursued charge
By Alan White, CBC News Posted: Feb 28, 2017 7:00 AM AT
15 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Raymond Amos
'It just defies logic' ??? Yea right.
Methinks if the lawyer Leslie Matchim truly seeks enlightenment then he needs to talk to mean old me about the Commissioner of the RCMP and his wicked game of politicking
Methinks if the lawyer Leslie Matchim truly seeks enlightenment then he needs to talk to mean old me about the Commissioner of the RCMP and his wicked game of politicking
David Webb
Then his criticism should be
directed at the crown. From the article a few days ago, "In New
Brunswick, it is the Crown that ultimately decides whether a person is
charged with a criminal offence." That's their job!
Content disabled.
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb In the last
article you thought I was referring to the "Bathurst" situation. I was
not but the corrupt cops up there and their buddy the judge should be
forever shamed.
FYI I was referring to the RCMP torturing their fellow member Cpl. Ron Francis to death. The strange part is Francis was was one of the many corrupt RCMP members who had been harassing me for years. The shoe was on the other foot though when his buddies put him in the looney bin of the DECH just like the RCMP did to mean old me 6 years before that.
FYI I was referring to the RCMP torturing their fellow member Cpl. Ron Francis to death. The strange part is Francis was was one of the many corrupt RCMP members who had been harassing me for years. The shoe was on the other foot though when his buddies put him in the looney bin of the DECH just like the RCMP did to mean old me 6 years before that.
Content disabled.
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb Whereas CBC is
blocking me again for the political benefit of their buddies in the
other CROWN Corp they are reporting about today, I guess Mr Webb will
have to find my Twitter account in order to locate the blog I published
my response to him within after CBC blocked it. EH?
Prime Minister Trudeau "The Younger", Commissioner Bobby Boy Paulson and legions of cops and lawyers all know why I must react in such a fashion to the obvious malice of CBC and its mindless moderators N'esy Pas Alex Johnston, Hubby Baby Lacroix and Minister Joly???
Prime Minister Trudeau "The Younger", Commissioner Bobby Boy Paulson and legions of cops and lawyers all know why I must react in such a fashion to the obvious malice of CBC and its mindless moderators N'esy Pas Alex Johnston, Hubby Baby Lacroix and Minister Joly???
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb FYI At about
6:20 AM I got 22 views to the blog I published about the Obvious Malice
of CBC today. The views came almost immediately after posting the link
to it within Twitter.
Seems that somebody is up early and watching what I am up to as i deal with legions of corrupt lawyers and cops who purportedly work for us N'esy Pas Commissioner Bobby Boy Paulson, Hubby Baby Lacroix and Minister Joly?
Seems that somebody is up early and watching what I am up to as i deal with legions of corrupt lawyers and cops who purportedly work for us N'esy Pas Commissioner Bobby Boy Paulson, Hubby Baby Lacroix and Minister Joly?
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb At 6:55 AM the view tally of my blog stands at 36
The tally of comments of mine CBC allowed to be posted here are 2
Tally of blocked comments 4
Tally awaiting moderation 2
The tally of comments of mine CBC allowed to be posted here are 2
Tally of blocked comments 4
Tally awaiting moderation 2
Paul Krumm
But according to information
in the article the police do not decide if charges should be laid (it
is the crown). I am confused, can someone please explain.
Content disabled.
David Raymond Amos
@Paul Krumm FYI This is how it is SUPPOSED to be done
First the Crown Corp cops investigate. (Notice they lied to Mr. Savoie?)
Second then if the cops think they have found enough evidence to prosecute with the cops give it to the Crown prosecutors. Then they decide whether to go forward or not.
If they do then a judge has a look and if he agrees the trial begins.
However everybody is politically appointed and they were all playing politics at the expense of Jean-Claude Savoie and his fellow taxpayers. Get it?
Although I have no respect for the other Crown Corp commonly known as the CBC for very justifiable reasons of my own to be fair I must confess they were correct to shine a light on this matter
2 children were killed by
this individual's stupidity. So he beat the charge. Should be on his
knees thanking someone for his acquittal. Not sure, but was he even
allowed to have such a dangerous reptile on the premises?
John Young
@ron smiuth
This individual attending a court proceeding wearing a blue undershirt and jeans shows his lack respect of proper dress code. Complete arrogance.
This individual attending a court proceeding wearing a blue undershirt and jeans shows his lack respect of proper dress code. Complete arrogance.
Content disabled.
David Raymond Amos
@John Young Oh my two snobs in the same comment section I will lay odds that you are both either cops or lawyers N'esy Pas?
Hank Hanrattay
RCMP are out of control!
David Raymond Amos
@Hank Hanrattay So is CBC
FYI they are blocking my comment AGAIN for political reasons
FYI they are blocking my comment AGAIN for political reasons
RCMP boss briefed about python deaths hours before decision about charge changed
Snake's owner charged with criminal negligence causing death despite 3 RCMP opinions charge was not warranted
By Alan White, CBC News Posted: Feb 27, 2017 6:00 AM AT
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson asked for a personal
briefing into the investigation into the deaths of Noah and Connor
Barthe, who were killed by a python in 2013. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian
Press)
Canada's top Mountie was briefed on the investigation into the 2013 killing of two boys by a large python in Campbellton, N.B., just hours before the RCMP changed direction and decided to pursue criminal charges against the snake's owner, according to documents obtained by CBC News under the federal Access to Information Act.
The documents show "the commissioner" requested a personal briefing in February 2014 on the investigation into the deaths of Connor and Noah Barthe in August 2013.
The brothers, aged 6 and 4, were killed by a 3.8-metre long African rock python at a friend's house on a sleepover.
At the time, Bob Paulson was the commissioner of the RCMP and continues to hold that position.
- RCMP's handling of python case challenged by Jean-Claude Savoie's lawyer
- Jean-Claude Savoie found not guilty in python deaths of 2 boys
The initial investigation, a review of that investigation by RCMP in Nova Scotia, and a second review by the acting district commander for the RCMP in southeast New Brunswick all concluded that python owner Jean-Claude Savoie should not be charged.
All felt it could not be proven Savoie showed wanton and reckless disregard for the safety of others or that his actions were a marked departure from the actions of anyone in a similar situation.
But fewer than 24 hours after a high-ranking RCMP officer in New Brunswick spent 30 minutes on the telephone explaining to Paulson why a charge of criminal negligence causing death was not warranted, the RCMP decided to forward the case to the Crown prosecutor to pursue a charge, the documents show.
Connor Barthe, 6, and Noah Barthe, 4, were asphyxiated by an African rock python on Aug. 5, 2013. (Mandy Trecartin/Twitter)
"Spent the last half hour on the phone trying to explain why this does not meet the threshold for [criminal negligence]. Will know tomorrow what he wants to do and I will advise."
The following day at 11:51 a.m., Cpl. Gabriel Deveau, who led the initial investigation and recommended no charges, wrote to Insp. Gerry Belliveau, the acting district commander in southeast New Brunswick, "I am informed the file is being submitted to a Crown."
'What do you mean this is going to the [C]rown? Somebody needs to explain this one to me.' - Insp. Gerry Belliveau, acting commander for RCMP in southeast New Brunswick
"What do you mean this is going to the [C]rown?" replied Belliveau, who carried out his own review of the case in February 2014 and concluded Savoie should not be charged.
"Somebody needs to explain this one to me."
In New Brunswick, it is the Crown that ultimately decides whether a person is charged with a criminal offence.
Gallant and Belliveau are now retired from the RCMP. Gallant deferred a request for information to RCMP communications in Fredericton. Attempts to contact Belliveau were unsuccessful.
A request was also made by CBC News to interview Paulson about the information in the documents. He declined.
Found not guilty
Savoie, 40, stood trial for criminal negligence causing death in the fall of 2016.
A jury of four men and seven women found him not guilty after an eight-day trial that concluded on Nov. 9. The Crown chose not to appeal.
Jean-Claude Savoie was found not guilty of
criminal negligence causing the deaths of Noah and Connor Barthe in
August 2013. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)
"Snake scared when fell," states the handwritten notes of an investigator.
"This wasn't self-defence by snake."
The trial heard Savoie saw the snake try to escape on an earlier occasion, but it did not get all the way through the ventilation pipe, which was smaller in diameter.
The trial also heard that the dryer-like vent cover for the pipe was not secured and often on the enclosure floor.
Savoie did not testify, but his lawyer argued the failed escape attempt reassured Savoie the snake could not get out through the pipe because of its size, so there was no need to secure the vent cover.
- RCMP's handling of python case challenged by Jean-Claude Savoie's lawyer
- Jean-Claude Savoie found not guilty in python deaths of 2 boys
- Python deaths trial: 6 key pieces of background
The trial also heard the boys had spent the day playing with animals at Savoie's father's farm, where Savoie raised rabbits and other animals to feed the snake.
The smell of the animals on the boys may have led the snake to think the boys were prey, the trial heard.
Savoie assured of no charge
At the conclusion of the trial, a publication ban was lifted on documents showing that Deveau, the lead investigator in the initial investigation, had given written assurance to Savoie's lawyer that Savoie would not be charged if Savoie answered four questions for the RCMP.
Defence lawyer Leslie Machim objected to the charging of Savoie after the RCMP gave written assurance he would not be. (CBC)
His motion was denied, but the answers provided by Savoie were not allowed as evidence.
The initial investigation ended Nov. 22, 2013, with Deveau and Staff Sgt. Rick Potvin of the major crime unit signing off on a report that said the findings don't support an offence of criminal negligence causing death.
A briefing note about the investigation and decision not to pursue a charge was submitted to Paulson on Nov. 25, 2013.
Deveau's investigation was then reviewed by RCMP Cpl. M.R. Simms and Cpl. L.L. Cote from H Division in Nova Scotia. The investigation review dated Dec. 10, 2013, agreed with Deveau.
"We agree with Cpl. Deveau and no criminal charges are warranted in this matter," it states.
3rd review
Emails show Belliveau did a third review of the file in February 2014 and also concluded a charge against Savoie was not warranted.
"Simply put, I do not see the elements of a Criminal Negligence," Belliveau wrote to Gallant on Feb. 13, 2014.
"I am very confident that the [C]rown would agree with me."
Meanwhile, on Feb. 5, 2014, RCMP Insp. Marc Bertrand of Tracadie was appointed the lead investigator in the case, according to an affidavit by Bertrand that was submitted to the Court of Queen's Bench on April 5, 2016.
In his affidavit, Bertrand said he believed a charge against Savoie was warranted.
"After my review of said file and of the evidence available, I came to the conclusion that reasonable and probable grounds did in fact exist to charge the Applicant of a criminal offence under paragraph 226(b) of the Criminal Code and I then send, with the support of my superiors, the file to the Crown for consideration."
It appears Bertrand misstated the section of the Criminal Code in his affidavit, since Section 226(b) is a charge related to the acceleration of death, where a person causes a bodily injury that results in death. Criminal negligence causing death is Section 220(b) and is referred to by Bertrand at another point in his affidavit.
Bertrand said he was present for meetings of the provincial Attorney General's case consultation and risk management committee on Sept. 4, 2014 and Dec. 2, 2014. That committee ultimately decided there was enough evidence to justify charging Savoie.
In his affidavit, Bertrand also said Deveau was not authorized to give immunity to Savoie.
The documents provided by the RCMP include one that is unsigned and in French that makes the case for a charge of criminal negligence, upon which Belliveau wrote comments in English disputing some of the points.
For example, where the author states in French that Savoie's failure to secure the ventilation system showed a significant departure from what others would do, Belliveau writes: "Wrong. It does not meet the threshold!"
At the bottom of the memo, Belliveau writes: "When you look at the totality of the file, these points in combination with everything else amount to very little to support [for criminal negligence].
"On the other hand, plenty of info does support due diligence whether we like or dislike the owner.
"We do not have close to any evidence to support a charge."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/leslie-matchim-rcmp-investigation-1.4001027
'It just defies logic': lawyer in python case says RCMP passed buck to courts
Leslie Matchim says CBC report corroborates his suspicion about why RCMP pursued charge
By Alan White, CBC News Posted: Feb 28, 2017 7:00 AM AT
Lawyer Leslie Matchim says it appears the RCMP is inclined
to 'pass the buck' to the courts in high-profile cases, based on the
decision to charge his client. (CBC)
Senior Mounties were just passing the buck to the courts when they
ignored the RCMP's own findings and decided to pursue charges against
the owner of a snake that killed two Campbellton boys, says the lawyer
who defended the owner.
Leslie Matchim represents Jean-Claude Savoie, 40, who was charged after his 3.8-metre-long African rock python escaped its enclosure in August 2013 and killed two brothers, aged 6 and 4, while they slept in his apartment. Savoie was found not guilty in a jury trial last fall.
A CBC report Monday revealed the RCMP changed its position and
decided to pursue a charge less than 24 hours after Commissioner Bob
Paulson was given a personal briefing on the investigation.
The force's officer in charge of criminal operations in New Brunswick had spent 30 minutes on the telephone explaining to Paulson why a charge of criminal negligence causing death was not warranted.
Matchim said the CBC investigation "seems to have corroborated what I've been expressing as a concern throughout."
"To avoid, I guess, the RCMP having to make tough decisions or have the buck stop here, so to speak, or be accountable for their decision, they seem to take the path of least resistance and say, 'Well, you know, we'll kick this up to the courts and that way if anything goes askew, they're answerable, not us,'" said Matchim.
"Our suspicions are now corroborated completely."
Savoie kept the python in his apartment above his Reptile Ocean pet store.
The 24-kilogram snake escaped through a ventilation pipe in the ceiling of its enclosure.
When some ceiling tiles gave way under its weight, the snake got into the adjoining living room, where the boys were staying during a sleepover with Savoie's son.
The two brothers were asphyxiated.
Cpl. Gabriel Deveau of the RCMP's major crime unit in northern New Brunswick led the initial investigation, which determined a charge of criminal negligence causing death was not warranted.
To prove a charge of criminal negligence, the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person charged showed wanton and reckless disregard for the safety of others and a marked departure in their actions from what someone else would do in a similar situation.
The investigation showed Savoie never firmly attached a cover to the
ventilation pipe. It also determined that Savoie witnessed a previous
escape attempt by the snake, when it didn't get all the way through the
pipe.
Matchim said during the trial that it was that failed escape attempt made Savoie believe there was no need to affix the cover to the pipe, since the snake was too large to fit through it.
A review of the initial investigation by RCMP from Nova Scotia reached the same conclusion as Deveau — that a charge of criminal negligence was not warranted against Savoie.
A third review by the RCMP's acting commander for southeast New Brunswick, Insp. Gerard Belliveau, also agreed that Savoie should not be charged with criminal negligence causing death.
Documents and emails obtained by CBC News under the federal Access to Information Act show that the RCMP commissioner asked for a personal briefing on the case in February 2014.
The day after Paulson was briefed on why charges were not warranted, the initial investigator was informed the file was being forwarded to the Crown, which in New Brunswick ultimately decides on charging a person with a crime.
"It just defies logic," Matchim said Monday.
"When you have a qualified, experienced major crime unit investigator put in months of investigation and together with his team conclude that charges are not warranted, you would think that would carry the day," he said.
"Throughout the entire process, it was all consistent at the investigative and review level that no charges are warranted," said Matchim. "Yet we learn that the commissioner sought a briefing and within 24 hours we know the RCMP changed their mind and decided to move forward with charges.
"It seems to confirm that their ... decision to lay charges was to appease political concerns as opposed to following their investigative leads."
Matchim said the decision to pursue a charge did not come without a financial and emotional toll on Savoie, a cost to the taxpayers for a jury trial, and a cost to the family of the Bathe brothers, who had to relive the tragedy through Savoie's trial last fall.
"It cost him money and it cost a lot more than that, a toll," said
Matchim. "It put a family of the victims through a trial, where it
appeared, at the evidentiary level, there was not a reasonable prospect
of success.
"And it put the state to tremendous expense to host a jury trial."
"All of the effort that went into the investigation, months' worth, and two reviews — all of it was negated. I mean, it was for what?"
CBC asked Paulson's office on Monday for a response to Matchim's concerns but there was no reply.
Matchim said it is "a little premature" for him to comment on whether Savoie might file a lawsuit in connection with how his case was handled.
"We're looking at that issue, but I'm not in a position to make any further comment at present," he said.
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos
Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2017 08:37:14 -0400
Subject: Attn Leslie Matchim I am on the phone (902 800 0369) again to you about my comment in the CBC about the RCMP
To: les@mblg.ca
Cc: David Amos
Leslie F. Matchim
803-157 Water St.
Campbellton, New Brunswick E3N 3L4
Phone: 506-789-6253
Fax: 506-789-1308
Email: les@mblg.ca
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/rcmp-python-deaths-investigation-1.3992656
RCMP boss briefed about python deaths hours before decision about charge changed
Snake's owner charged with criminal negligence causing death despite 3
RCMP opinions charge was not warranted
By Alan White, CBC News Posted: Feb 27, 2017 6:00 AM AT
12 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Jim Johnston
The first five paras of this article sure seemed slanted against the
RCMP. This para - number nine or ten should have been in the first
couple to ensure people were properly informed "In New Brunswick, it
is the Crown that ultimately decides whether a person is charged with
a criminal offence." Sloppy journalism by CBC. And you wonder how some
people can cry from the highest positions "Fake News". Don't give them
any ammunition.
David Raymond Amos
@Jim Johnston What planet are you from? FYI the CBC is a CROWN Corp
just like their pals in the RCMP. They all have the same puppet
master. Ask yourself why this story leaks out only have the man was
found NOT GUILTY by a jury of his peers.
Dave Jones
@Jim Johnston.... Keep reading Jim, you'll see the first three
officers recommended don't charge, but the ultimate opinion sent to
the Crown by a fourth officer said to charge. The story is not slanted
so what's your agenda here.
David Webb
I think a more appropriate head line should read," Crown decided to
charge with a criminal offence, in spite of RCMP reservations of
proving criminal negligence". Perhaps the writer of this article, and
the editor that approved it, have a hate on for the RCMP which caused
the different slant. The crown, after all, are the ones that made the
decision.
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb Methinks Paulson's action were purely political in nature
plain and simple. Do you recall what else was happening with the RCMP
and its investigations at the same point in time?
David Webb
@David Raymond Amos
If you are referring to the "Bathurst" situation, most defiantly. And
of course it was a political decision to let the crown decide if
charges were to be laid, but then that is their job to make that
decision on whether to proceed. They did, and the accused was found
not guilty, so the investigating officers from 3 investigations had it
right. Still does not excuse this slanted story that does not include
the entire facts. Poor journalism, from the media, AKA trying to stir
the pot. Need to get back to the facts (all of them) and nothing but
the facts.
Dave Jones
@David Webb ... I don't think you read the story through, after three
opinions that said don't charge, a fourth officer told the crown they
should charge...."Meanwhile, on Feb. 5, 2014, RCMP Insp. Marc Bertrand
of Tracadie was appointed the lead investigator in the case, according
to an affidavit by Bertrand that was submitted to the Court of Queen's
Bench on April 5, 2016.
In his affidavit, Bertrand said he believed a charge against Savoie
was warranted.
"After my review of said file and of the evidence available, I came to
the conclusion that reasonable and probable grounds did in fact exist
to charge the Applicant of a criminal offence under paragraph 226(b)
of the Criminal Code and I then send, with the support of my
superiors, the file to the Crown for consideration."
john bourque
Police lie, get use to it.
David Raymond Amos
@john bourque I learned that lesson during a coroner's inquiry in New
Brunswick in July of 1982 after the RCMP had hired me to investigate
and then testify about their actions.
David Raymond Amos
Perhaps folks should review what I have been telling the world about
Bob Paulson for years?
David Raymond Amos
@David Raymond Amos If folks want to look into the RCMP locally just
Google a few names. Here are two to start with related to this article
David Raymond Amos Wayne Gallant
Jim Cyr
Justice is a joke in Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/leslie-matchim-rcmp-investigation-1.4001027
'It just defies logic': lawyer in python case says RCMP passed buck to courts
Leslie Matchim says CBC report corroborates his suspicion about why
RCMP pursued charge
By Alan White, CBC News Posted: Feb 28, 2017 7:00 AM AT
15 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Raymond Amos
'It just defies logic' ??? Yea right.
Methinks if the lawyer Leslie Matchim truly seeks enlightenment then
he needs to talk to mean old me about the Commissioner of the RCMP and
his wicked game of politicking
David Webb
Then his criticism should be directed at the crown. From the article a
few days ago, "In New Brunswick, it is the Crown that ultimately
decides whether a person is charged with a criminal offence." That's
their job!
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled.
@David Webb
In the last article you thought I was referring to the "Bathurst"
situation. I was not but the corrupt cops up there and their buddy the
judge should be forever shamed.
FYI I was referring to the RCMP torturing their fellow member Cpl. Ron
Francis to death. The strange part is Francis was was one of the many
corrupt RCMP members who had been harassing me for years. The shoe was
on the other foot though when his buddies put him in the looney bin of
the DECH just like the RCMP did to mean old me 6 years before that.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled.
@David Webb
Whereas CBC is blocking me again for the political benefit of their
buddies in the other CROWN Corp they are reporting about today, I
guess Mr Webb will have to find my Twitter account in order to locate
the blog I published my response to him within after CBC blocked it.
EH?
Prime Minister Trudeau "The Younger", Commissioner Bobby Boy Paulson
and legions of cops and lawyers all know why I must react in such a
fashion to the obvious malice of CBC and its mindless moderators N'esy
Pas Alex Johnston, Hubby Baby Lacroix and Minister Joly???
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb
FYI At about 6:20 AM I got 22 views to the blog I published about the
Obvious Malice of CBC today. The views came almost immediately after
posting the link to it within Twitter.
Seems that somebody is up early and watching what I am up to as i deal
with legions of corrupt lawyers and cops who purportedly work for us
N'esy Pas Commissioner Bobby Boy Paulson, Hubby Baby Lacroix and
Minister Joly?
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb
At 6:55 AM the view tally of my blog stands at 36
The tally of comments of mine CBC allowed to be posted here are 2
Tally of blocked comments 4
Tally awaiting moderation 2
Paul Krumm
But according to information in the article the police do not decide
if charges should be laid (it is the crown). I am confused, can
someone please explain.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled.
@Paul Krumm FYI This is how it is SUPPOSED to be done
First the Crown Corp cops investigate. (Notice they lied to Mr. Savoie?)
Second then if the cops think they have found enough evidence to
prosecute with the cops give it to the Crown prosecutors. Then they
decide whether to go forward or not.
If they do then a judge has a look and if he agrees the trial begins.
However everybody is politically appointed and they were all playing
politics at the expense of Jean-Claude Savoie and his fellow
taxpayers. Get it?
Although I have no respect for the other Crown Corp commonly known as
the CBC for very justifiable reasons of my own to be fair I must
confess they were correct to shine a light on this matter
ron smiuth
2 children were killed by this individual's stupidity. So he beat the
charge. Should be on his knees thanking someone for his acquittal. Not
sure, but was he even allowed to have such a dangerous reptile on the
premises?
John Young
@ron smiuth
This individual attending a court proceeding wearing a blue undershirt
and jeans shows his lack respect of proper dress code. Complete
arrogance.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled.
@John Young Oh my two snobs in the same comment section I will lay
odds that you are both either cops or lawyers N'esy Pas?
Hank Hanrattay
RCMP are out of control!
David Raymond Amos
@Hank Hanrattay So is CBC
FYI they are blocking my comment AGAIN for political reasons
Leslie Matchim represents Jean-Claude Savoie, 40, who was charged after his 3.8-metre-long African rock python escaped its enclosure in August 2013 and killed two brothers, aged 6 and 4, while they slept in his apartment. Savoie was found not guilty in a jury trial last fall.
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson was briefed on
the investigation into the killing of two boys by a python in
Campbellton. Less than a day later, the RCMP changed its mind and
decided to pursue a charge against the snake's owner. (Patrick Doyle/the
Toronto Star)
The force's officer in charge of criminal operations in New Brunswick had spent 30 minutes on the telephone explaining to Paulson why a charge of criminal negligence causing death was not warranted.
Matchim said the CBC investigation "seems to have corroborated what I've been expressing as a concern throughout."
"To avoid, I guess, the RCMP having to make tough decisions or have the buck stop here, so to speak, or be accountable for their decision, they seem to take the path of least resistance and say, 'Well, you know, we'll kick this up to the courts and that way if anything goes askew, they're answerable, not us,'" said Matchim.
"Our suspicions are now corroborated completely."
Savoie kept the python in his apartment above his Reptile Ocean pet store.
Connor Barth, 6, and Noah Barhe, 4, were
killed by an African rock python while sleeping over at a friend's house
in 2013 in Campbellton.
When some ceiling tiles gave way under its weight, the snake got into the adjoining living room, where the boys were staying during a sleepover with Savoie's son.
The two brothers were asphyxiated.
No charges recommended
Cpl. Gabriel Deveau of the RCMP's major crime unit in northern New Brunswick led the initial investigation, which determined a charge of criminal negligence causing death was not warranted.
To prove a charge of criminal negligence, the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person charged showed wanton and reckless disregard for the safety of others and a marked departure in their actions from what someone else would do in a similar situation.
An exhibit from the trial of Jean-Claude
Savoie showed the ventilation pipe in the ceiling of the python's
enclosure through which the snake escaped. (Court of Queen's
Bench/Canadian Press)
Matchim said during the trial that it was that failed escape attempt made Savoie believe there was no need to affix the cover to the pipe, since the snake was too large to fit through it.
A review of the initial investigation by RCMP from Nova Scotia reached the same conclusion as Deveau — that a charge of criminal negligence was not warranted against Savoie.
A third review by the RCMP's acting commander for southeast New Brunswick, Insp. Gerard Belliveau, also agreed that Savoie should not be charged with criminal negligence causing death.
'It just defies logic'
Documents and emails obtained by CBC News under the federal Access to Information Act show that the RCMP commissioner asked for a personal briefing on the case in February 2014.
The day after Paulson was briefed on why charges were not warranted, the initial investigator was informed the file was being forwarded to the Crown, which in New Brunswick ultimately decides on charging a person with a crime.
The African rock python that killed Connor
Barthe, 6, and his brother Noah, 4, was 12 feet four inches long and 53
pounds, a veterinary pathologist said at the trial. (Campbellton Court
of Queen's Bench exhibit)
"When you have a qualified, experienced major crime unit investigator put in months of investigation and together with his team conclude that charges are not warranted, you would think that would carry the day," he said.
'It seems to confirm that their ... decision to lay charges was to appease political concerns as opposed to following their investigative leads.' - Leslie Matchim, lawyer for Jean-Claude Savoie
"Throughout the entire process, it was all consistent at the investigative and review level that no charges are warranted," said Matchim. "Yet we learn that the commissioner sought a briefing and within 24 hours we know the RCMP changed their mind and decided to move forward with charges.
"It seems to confirm that their ... decision to lay charges was to appease political concerns as opposed to following their investigative leads."
Financial, emotional costs
Matchim said the decision to pursue a charge did not come without a financial and emotional toll on Savoie, a cost to the taxpayers for a jury trial, and a cost to the family of the Bathe brothers, who had to relive the tragedy through Savoie's trial last fall.
Jean-Claude Savoie was found not guilty by a
jury of seven women and four men on a charge of criminal negligence
causing death. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)
"And it put the state to tremendous expense to host a jury trial."
"All of the effort that went into the investigation, months' worth, and two reviews — all of it was negated. I mean, it was for what?"
CBC asked Paulson's office on Monday for a response to Matchim's concerns but there was no reply.
- Jean-Claude Savoie found not guilty in python deaths of 2 boys
- RCMP's handing of python case challenged by Jean-Claude Savoie's lawyer
Matchim said it is "a little premature" for him to comment on whether Savoie might file a lawsuit in connection with how his case was handled.
"We're looking at that issue, but I'm not in a position to make any further comment at present," he said.
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos
Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2017 08:37:14 -0400
Subject: Attn Leslie Matchim I am on the phone (902 800 0369) again to you about my comment in the CBC about the RCMP
To: les@mblg.ca
Cc: David Amos
Leslie F. Matchim
803-157 Water St.
Campbellton, New Brunswick E3N 3L4
Phone: 506-789-6253
Fax: 506-789-1308
Email: les@mblg.ca
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/rcmp-python-deaths-investigation-1.3992656
RCMP boss briefed about python deaths hours before decision about charge changed
Snake's owner charged with criminal negligence causing death despite 3
RCMP opinions charge was not warranted
By Alan White, CBC News Posted: Feb 27, 2017 6:00 AM AT
12 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Jim Johnston
The first five paras of this article sure seemed slanted against the
RCMP. This para - number nine or ten should have been in the first
couple to ensure people were properly informed "In New Brunswick, it
is the Crown that ultimately decides whether a person is charged with
a criminal offence." Sloppy journalism by CBC. And you wonder how some
people can cry from the highest positions "Fake News". Don't give them
any ammunition.
David Raymond Amos
@Jim Johnston What planet are you from? FYI the CBC is a CROWN Corp
just like their pals in the RCMP. They all have the same puppet
master. Ask yourself why this story leaks out only have the man was
found NOT GUILTY by a jury of his peers.
Dave Jones
@Jim Johnston.... Keep reading Jim, you'll see the first three
officers recommended don't charge, but the ultimate opinion sent to
the Crown by a fourth officer said to charge. The story is not slanted
so what's your agenda here.
David Webb
I think a more appropriate head line should read," Crown decided to
charge with a criminal offence, in spite of RCMP reservations of
proving criminal negligence". Perhaps the writer of this article, and
the editor that approved it, have a hate on for the RCMP which caused
the different slant. The crown, after all, are the ones that made the
decision.
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb Methinks Paulson's action were purely political in nature
plain and simple. Do you recall what else was happening with the RCMP
and its investigations at the same point in time?
David Webb
@David Raymond Amos
If you are referring to the "Bathurst" situation, most defiantly. And
of course it was a political decision to let the crown decide if
charges were to be laid, but then that is their job to make that
decision on whether to proceed. They did, and the accused was found
not guilty, so the investigating officers from 3 investigations had it
right. Still does not excuse this slanted story that does not include
the entire facts. Poor journalism, from the media, AKA trying to stir
the pot. Need to get back to the facts (all of them) and nothing but
the facts.
Dave Jones
@David Webb ... I don't think you read the story through, after three
opinions that said don't charge, a fourth officer told the crown they
should charge...."Meanwhile, on Feb. 5, 2014, RCMP Insp. Marc Bertrand
of Tracadie was appointed the lead investigator in the case, according
to an affidavit by Bertrand that was submitted to the Court of Queen's
Bench on April 5, 2016.
In his affidavit, Bertrand said he believed a charge against Savoie
was warranted.
"After my review of said file and of the evidence available, I came to
the conclusion that reasonable and probable grounds did in fact exist
to charge the Applicant of a criminal offence under paragraph 226(b)
of the Criminal Code and I then send, with the support of my
superiors, the file to the Crown for consideration."
john bourque
Police lie, get use to it.
David Raymond Amos
@john bourque I learned that lesson during a coroner's inquiry in New
Brunswick in July of 1982 after the RCMP had hired me to investigate
and then testify about their actions.
David Raymond Amos
Perhaps folks should review what I have been telling the world about
Bob Paulson for years?
David Raymond Amos
@David Raymond Amos If folks want to look into the RCMP locally just
Google a few names. Here are two to start with related to this article
David Raymond Amos Wayne Gallant
Jim Cyr
Justice is a joke in Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/leslie-matchim-rcmp-investigation-1.4001027
'It just defies logic': lawyer in python case says RCMP passed buck to courts
Leslie Matchim says CBC report corroborates his suspicion about why
RCMP pursued charge
By Alan White, CBC News Posted: Feb 28, 2017 7:00 AM AT
15 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Raymond Amos
'It just defies logic' ??? Yea right.
Methinks if the lawyer Leslie Matchim truly seeks enlightenment then
he needs to talk to mean old me about the Commissioner of the RCMP and
his wicked game of politicking
David Webb
Then his criticism should be directed at the crown. From the article a
few days ago, "In New Brunswick, it is the Crown that ultimately
decides whether a person is charged with a criminal offence." That's
their job!
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled.
@David Webb
In the last article you thought I was referring to the "Bathurst"
situation. I was not but the corrupt cops up there and their buddy the
judge should be forever shamed.
FYI I was referring to the RCMP torturing their fellow member Cpl. Ron
Francis to death. The strange part is Francis was was one of the many
corrupt RCMP members who had been harassing me for years. The shoe was
on the other foot though when his buddies put him in the looney bin of
the DECH just like the RCMP did to mean old me 6 years before that.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled.
@David Webb
Whereas CBC is blocking me again for the political benefit of their
buddies in the other CROWN Corp they are reporting about today, I
guess Mr Webb will have to find my Twitter account in order to locate
the blog I published my response to him within after CBC blocked it.
EH?
Prime Minister Trudeau "The Younger", Commissioner Bobby Boy Paulson
and legions of cops and lawyers all know why I must react in such a
fashion to the obvious malice of CBC and its mindless moderators N'esy
Pas Alex Johnston, Hubby Baby Lacroix and Minister Joly???
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb
FYI At about 6:20 AM I got 22 views to the blog I published about the
Obvious Malice of CBC today. The views came almost immediately after
posting the link to it within Twitter.
Seems that somebody is up early and watching what I am up to as i deal
with legions of corrupt lawyers and cops who purportedly work for us
N'esy Pas Commissioner Bobby Boy Paulson, Hubby Baby Lacroix and
Minister Joly?
David Raymond Amos
@David Webb
At 6:55 AM the view tally of my blog stands at 36
The tally of comments of mine CBC allowed to be posted here are 2
Tally of blocked comments 4
Tally awaiting moderation 2
Paul Krumm
But according to information in the article the police do not decide
if charges should be laid (it is the crown). I am confused, can
someone please explain.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled.
@Paul Krumm FYI This is how it is SUPPOSED to be done
First the Crown Corp cops investigate. (Notice they lied to Mr. Savoie?)
Second then if the cops think they have found enough evidence to
prosecute with the cops give it to the Crown prosecutors. Then they
decide whether to go forward or not.
If they do then a judge has a look and if he agrees the trial begins.
However everybody is politically appointed and they were all playing
politics at the expense of Jean-Claude Savoie and his fellow
taxpayers. Get it?
Although I have no respect for the other Crown Corp commonly known as
the CBC for very justifiable reasons of my own to be fair I must
confess they were correct to shine a light on this matter
ron smiuth
2 children were killed by this individual's stupidity. So he beat the
charge. Should be on his knees thanking someone for his acquittal. Not
sure, but was he even allowed to have such a dangerous reptile on the
premises?
John Young
@ron smiuth
This individual attending a court proceeding wearing a blue undershirt
and jeans shows his lack respect of proper dress code. Complete
arrogance.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled.
@John Young Oh my two snobs in the same comment section I will lay
odds that you are both either cops or lawyers N'esy Pas?
Hank Hanrattay
RCMP are out of control!
David Raymond Amos
@Hank Hanrattay So is CBC
FYI they are blocking my comment AGAIN for political reasons
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