14-Year Parole Ineligibility Ordered in Miramichi Court

A life sentence with no opportunity to apply for parole for 14 years has been handed down to a 49-year-old man following a fatal shooting in northeastern New Brunswick. Keith Maurice Martin received the sentence Tuesday from Justice Stephen Doucet in Miramichi Court of King’s Bench after being convicted by a jury in June of second-degree murder and attempted murder.

Details of the Esgenoôpetitj Incident

The convictions stem from events on Sept. 5, 2024, in Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, also known as Burnt Church. Evidence presented during the month-long trial revealed that Martin traveled to a trailer off Diggle Point Road armed with an illicit 9mm semi-automatic handgun brought across the American border. Outside the residence, Martin briefly spoke with Mark Mitchell before shooting him in the head, causing his death.

Martin subsequently fired 13 rounds into the home, hitting Sylvio Savoie four times. Upon entering the trailer, Martin questioned the injured man about his identity, remarked that he was “lucky,” and departed. The court heard Martin had intended to target Sean Savoie, believing Sean Savoie was involved with his wife and supplying her with drugs. Martin also claimed he shot Mitchell under the belief he was protecting Sean Savoie. Moving to the community shoreline, Martin reloaded his firearm and stated, “I’m not done yet.”

Police Search and Arrest

The shooting prompted RCMP to broadcast an emergency public warning as officers searched the area. Authorities apprehended Martin the following day while he was hiding in the woods behind his mother’s residence on Peters Road.

Court Arguments and Sentencing Decision

Second-degree murder carries a mandatory life term, requiring the judge to fix parole eligibility between 10 and 25 years. Crown prosecutor Pierrette Allain requested a 20-year wait, pointing out that Martin carried out a planned action using a restricted weapon while subject to a lifetime firearm ban issued in 2002. Defense attorney Alex Pate advocated for a 10 to 12-year window, highlighting that nine jury members recommended the 10-year minimum, and noted Martin’s remorse, family backing, and drug use upon returning to the community.

Justice Doucet ruled that the defense proposal was inadequate while the Crown’s request was excessive, noting the jury had dismissed intoxication as a defense. Prior to receiving his sentence, Martin addressed the court, stating, “I’m sorry for everything that happened,” while also remarking, “It’s not necessarily me, but you know, I’m not trying to justify or say anything, but I try to look at the good of it.” No victim impact statements were filed during the proceeding, as over a dozen potential contributors either declined or could not be contacted. Defense counsel indicated an appeal remains possible.