Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
A group of about 200 people formed a drumming circle and held hands and signs outside a Fredericton courthouse Monday in support of a 71-year-old man who died Friday.
Mark Albert Brooks, known to the Saint Mary (Sitansisk) First Nation as Barnzie, was found with critical stab wounds around 11:10pm on Friday night. Fredericton Police say they are responding to a “fight in progress.”
Two 17-year-olds appeared in Fredericton court Monday via video conference for their bail hearings. Both hearings were adjourned until July 2 to allow the youth to secure counsel.
One has been charged with second degree murder, and the other with aggravated assault.
The Brooks family, together with members of the community, then stood outside holding hands in a circle around the entire front of the court.
People hold hands and form a circle outside a Fredericton court on Monday. (CTV/Laura Brown)Chief Allan Polchies Jr. says. Brooks was an elder in the community, as well as a father and grandfather.
“Barnzie had a heart of gold, he would never hurt anyone. This time of year he would offer to cut lawns, he was always walking through the community,” said Chief Polchies.
Two people hug outside the Fredericton courthouse as they show support for Mark Albert Brooks who died on Friday. (CTV/Laura Brown) He said the number of people who came out “in solidarity” showed how beloved Brooks was.
“When we got word late Friday night you could feel it in the community,” he said. “We want to ensure that his children, his grandchildren, his family are supported.”
The two accused cannot be named as they are protected under the Youth Offending Protection Act.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/hundreds-of-people-gather-outside-fredericton-courthouse-in-support-of-st-mary-s-first-nation-man-1.6938820
