TEEN SHOOTING SUSPECT IN COURT

Notre-Dame Shooting Still Under Investigation

RICHIBUCTO - A 17-year-old youth entered Richibucto provincial court in
handcuffs and leg shackles yesterday to face a judge and answer to an
attempted-murder charge related to a shooting in Notre-Dame last week.

A 33-year-old man was shot several times in his Notre-Dame home last week,
and police have charged the youth with attempted murder, robbery with a
firearm, discharge of a firearm with attempt to wound, possession of a
restricted firearm, and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

District 5 RCMP and Codiac RCMP executed a search warrant on Dieppe's Rue
Centrale early Saturday morning and arrested the 17-year-old.

"Our emergency response team was used to make entry into the residence,"
said Sgt. Jeff Johnston.

It was a much more subdued scene yesterday as the courtroom's gallery sat
empty except for the aunt of the accused, and a young woman, who sat
behind the prisoner's box.

The accused remained silent and stared straight ahead in the prisoner's
box, and stood promptly as Judge Joseph Michaud addressed his case.

He mouthed words to the young woman and his aunt as he left the prisoner's
box accompanied by two sheriffs before meeting with his lawyer in a
private room.

Later, as he shuffled down the stairs of the Richibucto courthouse, he
shouted at reporters.

"I'm a youth, I'm going to charge you," he yelled.

Michaud accepted defence lawyer Scott Fowler's request to adjourn the
matter until June 15 when the defence will decide whether it will ask for
a bail hearing.

Prosecutor Mario Cormier reiterated the Crown's objection to the teen's
release from custody.

Although police have moved quickly to bring the alleged attacker into
custody, few details have been released as the investigation continues to
unfold.

"There is the possibility of more charges being laid," said Johnston, who
wouldn't confirm whether police are investigating any other individuals in
relation to the shooting.

Police have said the June 3 shooting is linked to the drug trade, but
haven't revealed a possible motive. RCMP have not said how many gunshot
wounds the victim suffered, or whether he was shot with a long gun or a
hand gun.

And police have not confirmed neighbours' claims that the victim is
Jeffrey Gallant. However, they did say the wounded man's condition has
been upgraded to stable at The Moncton Hospital. It is not known whether
the victim knew his alleged attacker.

A neighbour, who said she phoned 911 last Wednesday after hearing a man
call for help and stumble outside in distress, said she heard two
gunshots. Police responded to the call around 6:30 p.m. Johnston confirmed
that drugs were found on the property, along with evidence of a drug
growing operation.

Officers could be seen removing marijuana plants and horticultural
equipment from a baby barn and small garage on the wounded man's property
on Wednesday. They loaded a number of fans, long ultraviolet lights,
tubing, electrical devices, and plants into a white cube van.

Yesterday, Johnston said it is still too early to discuss whether police
will press charges against the wounded man. He said the shooting remains
the focus of the investigation.