Verdict expected today in RCMP Labour Code trial in 2014 Moncton shooting spree

Carbine rifles were approved for use in 2011, but their rollout was delayed on several occasions. (Google maps)

MONCTON, N.B.— A provincial court judge is expected to hand down his verdict today in the RCMP’s Labour Code trial stemming from a shooting rampage in New Brunswick that left three officers dead and two injured.

The RCMP has pleaded not guilty to failing to provide officers with the appropriate equipment and training after Justin Bourque’s 2014 shooting spree.

C8 carbine rifles were not available to general duty officers during Bourque’s shooting spree and numerous witnesses have testified they could have made a difference.

Carbine rifles were approved for use in 2011, but their rollout was delayed on several occasions.

The defence argued at the trial that the RCMP exercised due diligence in its rollout of patrol carbines, while the Crown argued management knew front-line officers were at risk and the rollout of carbines took too long.

Constables Fabrice Gevaudan, Dave Ross and Doug Larche were killed, while constables Eric Dubois and Darlene Goguen were wounded when Bourque targeted police officers in hopes of sparking an anti-government rebellion.

The rampage set off a 30-hour manhunt that drew in officers from around the region.