Two individuals are facing charges following the fatal shooting of a young man in Elsipogtog First Nation. The New Brunswick RCMP announced that a 27-year-old man from Ottawa and a 35-year-old woman from the local community have been charged in connection with the death of Hayven Francis.

Details of the arrests

The investigation led to two distinct arrests across different provinces:

  • Abdel Alcheikh Houri, 27, was apprehended at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport on Friday. Police stated he was preparing to board a flight to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates when he was taken into custody.
  • Kelsey Clair, 35, was arrested on Saturday. She is facing a charge of being an accessory after the fact to murder.

Houri has been charged with first-degree murder and is awaiting transport to New Brunswick to appear in Moncton provincial court. Clair appeared in court via tele-remand on Sunday and is scheduled to return on Tuesday.

What happened in Elsipogtog?

The incident occurred in the early hours of October 13, when officers responded to reports of a shooting outside a residence on Ball Park Street. Upon arrival, police discovered the body of 21-year-old Francis.

At the time, the RCMP issued an Alert Ready message, instructing residents to stay indoors and lock their doors while officers searched for a suspect described as armed and dangerous. The emergency alert was lifted later that morning once the immediate threat to the public was deemed over. Authorities have characterized the shooting as a "targeted incident."

Community impact and safety

The shooting caused significant immediate disruption for the Elsipogtog community. Because the suspect was considered a danger to the public, residents were forced to shelter in place for several hours during the early morning.

While the initial search lasted until approximately 6:15 a.m., the RCMP has since stated that there is no further risk to the general public. The community is located roughly 90 kilometres north of Moncton by vehicle, and the Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the homicide.

FAQ

What is an accessory after the fact?

An accessory after the fact is someone who assists a person who has committed a crime, helping them avoid capture or prosecution.

Where will the legal proceedings take place?

Both individuals are expected to appear in Moncton provincial court for their respective legal matters.