Psychiatric assessment sought for alleged Fredericton shooter

A man charged after the fatal shootings of two police officers and two civilians at a Fredericton apartment complex doesn't believe he requires a psychiatric assessment requested by the Crown.

Matthew VincentRaymond, 48, appeared Monday in provincial court,where Crown prosecutor Darlene Blunstonasked that he get a 60-dayassessment to determine if he is fit tostand trial.

Blunston cited Raymond's outburstduring a previous court appearanceand asked that an expert be brought in from Ontario to do theassessment.

Raymond is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in theAug. 10 deaths of constablesRobbCostello, 45, and Sara Burns, 43, of the Fredericton Police Force,DonnieRobichaud, 42, and Bobbie Lee Wright, 32.

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Last week, Raymond told the court from the prisoner's box that he had enough evidence to be exonerated and is not guilty by reason of temporary insanity.

Judge Julian Dickson will hear arguments next Monday on the request for the psychiatric assessment.

AfterBlunstonmadethe request, Raymond raised his hand and was given permission to speakbyDickson.

Alleged Fredericton shooter enters courthouse Monday

6 years ago

Duration 0:50

Matthew Vincent Raymond appeared in court on Oct. 29, where Crown prosecutor asked that he get a 60-day assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

"What happened in the past is something else, but right now I know what's going on," Raymond said.

He also said he fired his lawyerNathanGorhamfivetimes.

It was unclear on Monday who Raymond's lawyer is.

Gorhamwas in court with him, butanother lawyer,SpencerMacInnis, addressed the courtand asked for a week to prepare arguments.

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Outside the courtroom, both lawyers refused to commenteven when asked who was representing Raymond.

Police have said all four victims were hit by bullets from a long gun fired from the third storey of an apartment building onBrooksideDriveon the north side.

Raymond has not yet entered any pleas or elected his mode of trial.