If you followed New Brunswick news last summer, you likely remember the sudden collapse of two major murder trials. Now, the man at the center of those dismissed cases faces trouble with the law again. Authorities in British Columbia issued a warrant for Joshua John McIsaac on several new criminal charges.

New Charges Out West

According to a report from CBC News, McIsaac is wanted for forcible entry, assault, and mischief under $5,000. RCMP Constable Olivier Nelis confirmed the warrant originates from the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional District in British Columbia.

Nelis stated the courts formally approved the charges on November 12. The arrest warrant remains valid only within the province of British Columbia. Police declined to provide further details regarding the specific events that led to the charges or whether McIsaac currently resides in the western province.

The Collapsed New Brunswick Murder Cases

McIsaac previously faced first degree and second degree murder charges in New Brunswick. These charges connected him to the deaths of two men. Searchers found the body of Brandon Donelan in a wooded area between Minto and Chipman in March 2022. Corey Christopher Markey died after a shooting in Fredericton in 2021.

A judge stayed the charges against McIsaac and four other individuals in June. The Fredericton Police Force admitted to an insurmountable evidentiary issue that forced the cases to collapse just as prosecutors prepared a plea deal.

Fallout from the Police Error

Fredericton Police Chief Gary Forward took full responsibility for the mistakes that derailed the murder trials. The police force hired an Ontario lawyer to conduct an independent review of the major crime unit and its practices.

This review produced a report with 19 public recommendations designed to improve how officers investigate homicides and other major crimes. In response, the Fredericton Police Force reallocated funding in March to hire new staff and better manage evidence in future investigations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new charges against Joshua McIsaac?

Authorities in British Columbia charged McIsaac with forcible entry, assault, and mischief under $5,000.

Where is the arrest warrant valid?

The current arrest warrant is only valid within the province of British Columbia.

Why did the previous murder charges in New Brunswick collapse?

A judge stayed the murder charges after the Fredericton Police Force disclosed a major evidentiary error that compromised the cases.

How did the Fredericton Police Force respond to the error?

The police chief took responsibility and ordered an independent review. The force then implemented 19 recommendations and hired new staff to improve evidence management.