Man charged with murder after two boys found dead in Saint John home

CTV's Avery MacRae reports from outside an apartment building in Saint John, N.B., where two boys were found dead Wednesday morning.

A man is facing murder charges after two boys were found dead inside a home in Saint John, N.B.

The Saint John Police Force responded to a 911 call at the home on Skaling Court around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Police said officers forced their way into the home, where they found the bodies of a 10-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy.

“Based on the information that was received at the time, when officers arrived, they felt that there was a need to immediately force entry into the home,” said Staff Sgt. Sarah Hobbes during a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Police also found an injured 46-year-old man inside the home. Emergency personnel administered first aid to the man, who was then taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

“The accused is still in hospital and is still under police custody, so police are present,” said Hobbes.

The man will appear in court at a later date to face two counts of first-degree murder.

Police confirmed the man was known to the victims but wouldn’t comment on the nature of their relationships.

“We are not releasing any information in relation to what relationship the victims and the accused had in order to protect the identity of the victims,” said Hobbes during the news conference.

She also wouldn’t say who made the 911 call or comment on whether anyone else was inside the home at the time.

“To protect the integrity of this investigation and the upcoming court proceedings, the Saint John police will not be providing any further details in relation to the 911 call, whether it came from within or outside,” said Hobbes.

“I know there is still lots of questions in relation to what took place yesterday. It was extremely tragic and heartbreaking and people would like to know the answers, but unfortunately that is the only answers that I’m able to give today.”

The Major Crime Unit, Family Protection Unit and coroner’s office are all involved with the investigation.

Police remained on scene Thursday morning as forensics officers continued to collect evidence.

“This is very heartbreaking. It’s a tragic incident that happened here within Saint John, within our community,” said Hobbes. “We, the Saint John Police Force, again want to give our condolences to the family and friends of these two young deceased boys.”

The Saint John Police Force is asking anyone with information to contact them at 1-506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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