Nova Scotia Man Convicted of Murdering Inmate in N.B. Prison

UPDATE: A Nova Scotia man, Christian Enang Clyke, has been found guilty of murdering a fellow inmate, Richard Alan King, at the Atlantic Institution in New Brunswick. This urgent verdict was delivered by Justice Fred Ferguson on October 3, 2023, confirming that Clyke committed the crime on October 6, 2022.

The judge ruled that Clyke fatally stabbed King during a brief encounter inside another inmate’s cell, directly rejecting Clyke’s claims of self-defense. “I find that Mr. Clyke’s testimony at trial is not credible, it’s not reliable, it’s not believable,” Ferguson stated during the verdict announcement in Miramichi.

Clyke, already serving a sentence for the second-degree murder of Angela Hall in Dartmouth, is appealing his earlier conviction. His current conviction for killing King could have significant implications for his future, as it marks his second murder charge.

The evidence presented over a four-day trial revealed that Clyke and King entered the cell around suppertime on the day of the incident. In a shocking twist, surveillance footage captured King emerging with blood on his face and shirt. During the attack, King was stabbed a total of ten times—seven times initially, followed by three additional stabs as he attempted to flee.

Clyke claimed the altercation stemmed from a botched drug deal involving a planned delivery of $3,500 worth of drugs. He alleged that King threatened his life over the deal’s failure. However, the judge highlighted inconsistencies in Clyke’s testimony, noting that it contradicted what he initially told police shortly after the incident.

Clyke’s sentencing is tentatively scheduled for October 28, 2023, but it may be delayed due to the ongoing appeal related to the earlier case. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Clyke will face a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole. Conversely, if the conviction is overturned, the judge will reassess his eligibility for parole after just 10 years.

This case raises critical questions about prison safety and the challenges surrounding violent incidents behind bars. As developments unfold, the implications for Clyke and the broader prison system remain a pressing concern.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.