Two Sentenced for 2021 Homicide in Rivière-Verte, N.B.

UPDATE: Two individuals have been sentenced in connection with a shocking homicide that occurred in Rivière-Verte, New Brunswick, on August 15, 2021. The case, which captivated local communities, has reached a resolution with significant sentences announced just this week.

Authorities from the Saint-Léonard RCMP responded to a distress call on the morning of August 15, 2021, where they discovered the lifeless body of 60-year-old Rino St-Pierre on Rue Industrielle. The investigation quickly determined that St-Pierre’s death was due to homicide, launching a lengthy inquiry that only recently concluded with arrests.

In a significant development, Benjamin Côté was arrested in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec, on August 27, 2023. He faced charges of first-degree murder the following day. Just two days later, Angie LeClerc from St-Antonin, Quebec, was also apprehended and charged with the same offense.

In court proceedings, Côté pled guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 14.5 years. Meanwhile, LeClerc entered a plea of guilty to manslaughter, which resulted in a sentence of 10 years in prison, handed down on August 22, 2023.

These sentences come as a relief to the community still grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. The actions taken by law enforcement and the justice system highlight the ongoing commitment to addressing violent crime in the region.

As families and friends of the victim seek closure, this case serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence in our communities. The Rivière-Verte area, while still healing, can now move forward with some sense of justice served.

Stay tuned for more updates on this and other breaking news stories as the situation continues to develop. Download the CTV News App for instant alerts and comprehensive coverage.