Youths accused of manslaughter in death of André Bourgeois choose jury trial
4 charged after 41-year-old Grand-Digue man died in September
Three youths accused of manslaughter in the death of a 41-year-old man in the Fredericton bar district last fall will be tried by judge and jury.
The youths, who can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, elected their mode of trial at a court appearance on Wednesday afternoon. Two of the youths appeared in person, and the third had his lawyer appear on his behalf.
All three will return to court Jan. 22 to set a date for a preliminary inquiry.
Police say André Bourgeois died on Sept. 27 after what police described as a "serious assault" in the Tannery in the early morning hours of Sept. 22.
A video of the incident posted to social media, obtained by Radio-Canada, shows a man being struck by several people. The video does not show what led up to this moment.
The Crown said at a court appearance on Nov. 20 that it would seek adult sentences for all three youths if they're convicted.
One of the youths is also charged with assaulting another man in connection with the incident. He will have a judge and jury trial on that charge on Aug. 29.
Adult also charged
Tyler Totten, 19, is also charged with manslaughter in the Bourgeois case.
At a court appearance in December, he also elected a trial by judge and jury. His preliminary inquiry is scheduled for June 25, June 27 and July 11.
All four accused were released on conditions last fall.
Bourgeois was a boat captain who lived in the southeastern New Brunswick community of Grand-Digue. In his obituary, he is remembered for his love of the ocean.
"Later on in life, he would incorporate that love into his own charter business," the obituary says.
"André could accomplish anything he set his mind to. He was driven, resilient, hard working, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need."
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