Fredericton police practices under review after major ‘error’ upended two death cases
Police say an “insurmountable evidentiary issue” led to a stay of proceedings in the 2021 death of Corey Christopher Markey and the 2022 death of Brandon Donelan.
FREDERICTON - Fredericton police say they’ve hired an Ontario lawyer to investigate how an error by the force led to a stay of proceedings in two deaths.
Director of Ontario’s police watchdog between 2008 and 2013, Ian D. Scott will review the way Fredericton police conduct major crimes investigations, the force said in a news release on Wednesday.
An “insurmountable evidentiary issue” led to stays of proceedings in the 2021 death of Corey Christopher Markey and the 2022 death of Brandon Donelan, the Fredericton Police Force said.
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Police Chief Gary Forward said the force takes full responsibility for what happened, but he did not disclose details.
“As part of our acknowledgment and commitment to public trust, we are taking immediate steps to examine the error caused on our part and to prevent a reoccurrence.”
Scott is “widely recognized for his expertise in police oversight,” and has authored “key texts” on policing and civilian monitoring of law enforcement, the news release said.
“The extensive background and specialized knowledge of Ian D. Scott in police oversight, investigative evaluation, and legal standards makes him uniquely qualified to conduct this review informed by best practices in law enforcement and justice,” the police force said.
Scott’s review is scheduled to begin July 17 and expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025.
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