2 Bathurst police officers learn today if they'll stand trial for manslaughter
Constables Patrick Bulger and Mathieu Boudreau charged in shooting death of Michel Vienneau in 2015
Two Bathurst police officers charged in the shooting death of Michel Vienneau more than two years ago will learn today whether they will stand trial.
Const. Patrick Bulger, 38, of Beresford and Const. Mathieu Boudreau 26, of Dunlop are scheduled to appear in Bathurst court at 1:30 p.m.
They are each charged with manslaughter with a weapon, assault with a weapon, and unlawfully pointing a firearm in connection with Vienneau's death on Jan. 12, 2015.
Court documents filed in a lawsuit by Vienneau's partner, Annick Basque, revealed police were acting on a Crime Stoppers tip when they stopped the couple as they were coming off the train.
Other documents filed by the City of Bathurst say the officers fired in self-defence after Vienneau's car accelerated toward an officer, pinning him against a snowbank.
Nova Scotia RCMP investigated the incident and concluded Vienneau was not involved in any criminal activity.
Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman will deliver her ruling on whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, based on a preliminary inquiry that was held on non-consecutive dates between August and October.
Evidence heard during the preliminary inquiry cannot be reported because of a publication ban.
TJ Burke of Fredericton is representing Bulger, and Boudreau is represented by Brian Munro from Saint John.