If you live in Saint John you likely remember the tragic news from May 2021. Now almost five years later police have made significant progress. The Saint John Police Force arrested two men on Tuesday in connection with the death of 27 year old Courtney MacKenzie.

According to a report from CTV News these arrests follow a lengthy and complex investigation into her disappearance and death.

The Investigation Timeline

Family members reported MacKenzie missing on May 8 2021. Three days later on May 11 officers found her body at a residence on Victoria Street. At the time investigators treated her death as suspicious and focused on an indignity to a human body charge.

New Charges Laid

Police charged a 39 year old man with manslaughter improperly interfering with human remains kidnapping forcible confinement assault with a weapon assault causing bodily harm and assault. These charges relate to the death of MacKenzie and previous incidents where she was the victim. Officers also arrested this unnamed man for robbery forcible confinement and assault with a weapon involving a second female victim. He appeared in provincial court on Tuesday and remains in custody until his next court date on May 19.

Authorities also charged a 40 year old man as an accessory after the fact and with improperly interfering with human remains. Police released him on an undertaking with conditions and he will appear in court at a later date.

These arrests build on previous police work. In April 2023 officers arrested a 34 year old woman for improperly interfering with human remains in connection with this case.

A Commitment to Justice

Saint John Police Force Chief R. M. Bruce emphasized the dedication of the department to solving this case.

“Courtney MacKenzie was not just a name on a file folder she was a vibrant young woman whose life was taken far too soon” Bruce said in a statement. “The members of the Saint John Police never gave up on getting justice for her, her family, and friends.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Courtney MacKenzie go missing?

Family reported her missing on May 8 2021 and police discovered her body on May 11 2021 at a home on Victoria Street in Saint John.

What charges do the two men face?

The 39 year old man faces several charges including manslaughter kidnapping and improperly interfering with human remains. The 40 year old man faces charges of being an accessory after the fact and improperly interfering with human remains.

Are there other suspects in this case?

Yes. In April 2023 police arrested a 34 year old woman for improperly interfering with human remains.