Saint Police Police make third arrest in Courtney McKenzie case
A new arrest has been made in relation to the death of Courtney McKenzie.
At a press conference Wednesday, Saint John Police revealed that on April 21, a 37-year-old woman was arrested for being an accessory after the crime was committed and for improperly interfering with human remains.
According to Saint John Police staff Sgt. Shawna Fowler, the 37-year-old woman is the same person who was arrested in 2023 for improperly interfering with human remains in connection with McKenzie’s death, as well as four other ongoing police investigations.
Fowler said the woman has been released from police custody under conditions and is expected back in court July 27.
This is the third arrest made in relation to the case in nearly five years.
On April 22, Saint John Police said in a news release that, following a “lengthy and complex investigation,” the Saint John Major Crime Unit had made two arrests.
A 40-year-old man was arrested for being an accessory after the crime was committed and for improperly interfering with human remains, while a 39-year-old man was arrested for manslaughter, improperly interfering with human remains, kidnapping, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm and assault.
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The 39-year-old man appeared in provincial court Tuesday afternoon. He remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court May 19.
Fowler did not share specific details that led to the arrests, citing the ongoing investigation. However, she said the complex nature of the case explains why the arrests came nearly five years later.
“These investigations are complex, they are lengthy waiting for evidence to come back, tying some lose ends, making sure that everything is done thoroughly,” she explained. “And then there is consultations with the crown to review the file and then making sure we have everything that is needed for the judicial process.”
Fowler said no additional arrests have been made at this time.
McKenzie’s body was found at a Victoria Street residence in May 2021.
