A high-stakes double murder trial in Moncton has revealed a dark web of drug trafficking, internal betrayal, and a retaliatory strike that allegedly left an innocent elderly couple dead. Janson Bryan Baker, 29, faces two counts of first-degree murder in the 2019 shooting deaths of Bernard Saulnier, 78, and Rose-Marie Saulnier, 74.
The Fallout of ‘J-Trilogy’
The killings occurred just ten days after a massive police crackdown code-named “J-Trilogy.” Launched in early 2019, the investigation targeted a sophisticated drug network allegedly led by Jesse Logue. The operation utilized wiretaps, undercover agents, and extensive surveillance to dismantle a ring that moved significant quantities of crystal meth and firearms across the province.
On August 28, 2019, authorities executed simultaneous raids on five properties. One of the primary targets was a Moncton duplex owned by Sylvio Saulnier, the son of the murdered couple. Investigators identified Sylvio as the financial manager for the network, alleging that drug proceeds were funneled through bank accounts in his name.
A Fatal Misunderstanding
The prosecution alleges that after the raids, members of the drug ring became convinced that Sylvio Saulnier had turned informant. This suspicion created a rift that led to a targeted hit. According to court testimony, the network directed Janson Baker to find and eliminate Sylvio. However, on the morning of September 7, 2019, it was Sylvio’s parents who were found shot to death in their Dieppe home.
Witnesses have testified that Baker was allegedly paid for the act with a gold neck chain and cocaine. The orders reportedly came through Nicholas Bain, an associate of the drug ring who had been housing Baker at a residence in Lake George leading up to the murders.
Key Evidence and Surveillance
The trial has highlighted several pieces of forensic evidence linking the accused to the crime. Jurors were shown a bullet recovered from Bernard Saulnier’s clothing during an autopsy and viewed surveillance footage of a silver Hyundai Sonata near the scene. A fingerprint belonging to Baker was reportedly found on a CD inside a similar vehicle seized by police.
Additionally, a witness testified that Baker confessed to the killings while in custody, describing how he entered the home disguised in a mask. The witness claimed Baker admitted to shooting the couple after they confronted him during the intrusion.
Lingering Questions and Unsolved Cases
The violence surrounding the drug network appears to extend beyond the Dieppe murders. The court heard testimony regarding Brady Sherman-Tompkins, an employee of the drug operation who was arrested during the initial raids but later released. Sherman-Tompkins was reported missing shortly after the Saulniers were killed; his disappearance was eventually reclassified as a homicide and remains unsolved.
While the man at the center of the drug ring’s suspicion, Sylvio Saulnier, was eventually charged following the J-Trilogy raids, he never stood trial. Officials confirmed that the charges against him were withdrawn following his death by suicide. The trial for Janson Baker continues as the jury weighs the testimony of forensic experts and former associates of the drug network.
