(Fredericton) Journalist Réjean Hébert, well known to listeners of the CKRO radio station in the Acadian Peninsula, was reportedly killed by his son. Philippe Hébert, 29, has been officially charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of his father last week in Saint-Simon, New Brunswick.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed Tuesday that Philippe Hébert will face charges of second degree murder, resisting arrest, dangerous driving, failure to stop for police and indecency towards human remains.
The RCMP said these charges were brought in connection with the death of a 60-year-old man, whose body was found unresponsive outside a residence in Saint-Simon on December 29. The CKRO station, of which Réjean Hébert was the news director, told The Canadian Press that the journalist was the victim of this homicide.
Tuesday, the general manager of CKRO, Donald Noël, also confirmed that Philippe Hébert was indeed the son of Réjean Hébert and that it is against him that the charges were brought. Now accused, Philippe Hébert will remain in detention pending further legal proceedings.
Réjean Hébert’s body was found early on December 29 by RCMP officers. Later that morning, the suspect — now known to be the journalist’s son — was arrested in connection with the investigation, after fleeing from police.
Mr. Noël, of CKRO, told The Canadian Press on Sunday that the death of Réjean Hébert represented a “heavy loss” for the station.
“Through his integrity and his dedication to work, Réjean was highly appreciated in the community,” said Mr. Noël.
“For 30 years, his unique voice informed us. He was known to everyone, not only in the Acadian Peninsula, but at the provincial level. It produced daily bulletins for 10 other community radios. Very professional and cheerful, he will be missed by all. »
Réjean Hébert had also written two books on gardening.
The RCMP investigation, which is treating this case as a homicide, is continuing.