New Brunswick

Dennis Oland trial sees graphic murder scene photos submitted

Graphic photographs of Richard Oland's dead body were entered into evidence today at Dennis Oland's second-degree murder trial in Saint John.

Richard Oland was killed by 46 blows to his body in July 2011, trial hears

Dennis Oland, 46, is charged with second-degree murder in the 2011 death of his father, Richard Oland. (CBC)

Graphic photographs of Richard Oland's dead body were entered into evidence today at Dennis Oland's second-degree murder trial in Saint John.

Dennis Oland, 46, is accused of killing his father more than four years ago.

Richard Oland suffered 46 blows to his body, including six defensive wounds to his hands and 40 sharp or blunt force injuries to his head and neck, the jury heard on Wednesday, the first day of the trial.

No weapon was found.

Lead Crown prosecutor P.J. Venoit entered a binder containing 119 photographs into evidence and several of them are of the crime scene — Richard Oland's uptown Saint John office.

Justice John Walsh, who has been brought in from Miramichi to hear the high-profile case, told the jurors on Wednesday that he hadn't yet seen the photos, but he warned them they would be graphic and likely upsetting.

He urged the jurors to "steel" themselves for the "shock."

The body of Richard Oland, 69, was discovered face down in a pool of blood on the floor of his Far End Corporation office on July 7, 2011, by his secretary, Maureen Adamson.

The prominent businessman's investments were worth about $37 million at the time of his death, according to Adamson.

Her testimony continues today.

Oland's lawyers have not yet given an opening statement. They will likely do so once the Crown finishes presenting its case.

The trial is expected to continue until Dec. 18.