The jury in the Janson Baker double-murder trial has found the accused guilty.
The verdict was handed down at 7:45 p.m. Monday during the fifth day of deliberations.
About a dozen family and supporters of the Saulnier family were at the Moncton courthouse, some with their arms around each other.
Baker’s immediate family was also present.
Bernard and Rose-Marie Saulnier were shot in the head inside their home on Amirault Street in Dieppe, N.B., on Sept. 7, 2019.
Baker was arrested and charged four years later on Sept. 7, 2023.
The 29-year-old had pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.
The trial took a little over eight weeks with around 30 witnesses taking the stand.
Deliberations began Thursday evening.
A member of the Saulnier family cried out in the courtroom when the foreperson for the jury read out the verdict for Rose-Marie.
Justice Cameron Gunn thanked the jury and said they made a significant contribution to justice.
The Saulnier family and supporters left the courthouse carrying red roses.
Crown prosecutor James McConnell read a prepared statement outside the courthouse and thanked the 12 jurors who participated in the trial and said they did their duty in applying the law as instructed by Gunn.
“We recognize the outstanding and unrelenting police work of the RCMP. Their hard work and dedication of their officers which brought this case to court,” said McConnell. “These murders shocked our community and left devastated the family and loved ones of Rose-Marie and Bernard Saulnier. When we return to court for sentencing on May 7, their voices will be heard.”
Defence attorney Brian Munro also thanked the jury for their hard work.
Munro said there were some rulings that would have impacted the jury more if they had access to them.
“I’m certain that in the future those rulings may be revisited,” said Munro.
When Baker took the stand in his defence during the trial, he looked at the jury and emphatically said he didn’t do it.
“I am not a killer,” he repeatedly said.
Munro said after the verdict was handed down that he spoke with Baker.
“He’s denied this from the get-go,” said Munro. “He said he didn’t do it. He maintains that position. He was forceful in his denial and his not guilty plea. The jury spoke tonight, we respect it at this stage and there’s always the considerations that have to go forward in terms of an appeal.”
Baker is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, at which time victim impact statements are expected to be heard.
Baker is currently serving prison sentences at the Atlantic Institution in Renous, N.B., for violent crimes, including the shooting of a teacher.
In 2025, Baker was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting a teacher outside Riverview High School on Jan. 5, 2021.
Both the Saulnier family and Baker’s mother politely declined interviews outside the courthouse.
Munro said he expects there will be an appeal.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
