Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

Richard Oland Crime Scene Was Among Bloodiest Officer Had Seen: Court Hears

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 07 Oct, 2015 10:39 AM
    SAINT JOHN, N.B. — A forensic identification officer with the Saint John police department says some of the 40 blows to the head of Richard Oland were caused by a hammer-type instrument while others were inflicted with a blade-like weapon.
     
    Sgt. Mark Smith is facing cross-examination today in the second-degree murder trial of Dennis Oland in New Brunswick's Court of Queen's Bench.
     
    Oland has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
     
    Smith says the blade-like weapon left wounds that were six to seven centimetres long.
     
    Oland, who was 69, was found lying in a pool of blood in his Saint John office on July 7, 2011.
     
    Under questioning from defence lawyer Gary Miller, Smith said it was one of the bloodiest crime scenes he had ever seen.
     
    "Would you agree there was a great deal of force used?," Miller asked.
     
    "It would be an opinion, yes," Smith replied.
     
    The murder weapon has never been found.
     
    Miller questioned Smith about a logbook that Maureen Adamson — Richard Oland's secretary — had given Dennis Oland the evening of July 6, 2011 to deliver to his mother. During earlier testimony, Adamson had indicated the logbook was left on a table in the middle of the office.
     
    The court has been shown pictures of blood spatter on that table, but Smith has testified all tests on the logbook were negative for the presence of blood.
     
    Miller asked Smith that if the logbook has been in the office at the time of the crime, would it possibly have blood on it.
     
    "A possibility, yes," Smith answered.
     
    Many of Miller's questions Wednesday focused on Smith's examination of Dennis Oland's silver Volkswagen Golf and a red reusable grocery bag in the trunk.
     
    Smith said the car was searched for almost 16 hours and a number of different tests were conducted but there were no positive tests confirming any blood.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Ex-Lieutenant-Governor Lise Thibault To Remain In Jail Until At Least Tuesday

    Her lawyer, Marc Labelle, wanted to seek leave to appeal today, a day after Thibault was sentenced to 18 months in jail on fraud and breach of trust charges. 

    Ex-Lieutenant-Governor Lise Thibault To Remain In Jail Until At Least Tuesday

    Washouts, Damage To Homes Reported In New Brunswick After Major Downpour

    Washouts, Damage To Homes Reported In New Brunswick After Major Downpour
    The province's Emergency Measures Organization says the downpour Wednesday and early today damaged infrastructure and closed roads.

    Washouts, Damage To Homes Reported In New Brunswick After Major Downpour

    Marcel Aubut Steps Down As COC President As Sexual Harassment Investigation Begins

    Marcel Aubut Steps Down As COC President As Sexual Harassment Investigation Begins
    The COC received a complaint last Friday about Aubut and has retained Francois Rolland, former Chief Justice of the Quebec Superior Court, to head an independent investigation.

    Marcel Aubut Steps Down As COC President As Sexual Harassment Investigation Begins

    John Horgan, Christy Clark Spar Over Death Of Teen In Government Care

    Alex Gervais fell from a fourth-floor window of an Abbotsford hotel on Sept. 18, and children's representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond has said she believes he killed himself.

    John Horgan, Christy Clark Spar Over Death Of Teen In Government Care

    First Nations' Challenges Of Northern Gateway Pipeline To Be Heard In Court

    The challenges are expected to bring new scrutiny to the government's environmental approval process and its responsibility to consult with aboriginal groups.

    First Nations' Challenges Of Northern Gateway Pipeline To Be Heard In Court

    Premier Notley Says Trans Mountain Pipeline May Need New Terminal For Support

    Premier Notley Says Trans Mountain Pipeline May Need New Terminal For Support
    Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says Kinder Morgan Inc. may need to move the proposed terminal for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion to win support for the project.

    Premier Notley Says Trans Mountain Pipeline May Need New Terminal For Support