A man who was initially facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of a woman from Oromocto First Nation has now admitted guilt to a reduced charge of manslaughter, as announced by the RCMP on Thursday. Jared Smith from Burton had been accused of the homicide of Sheri Lynn Sabattis, 54, a member of the Wolastoqey community, also referred to as Welamukotuk, in 2024.
The RCMP did not provide details on the reason behind the change in Smith’s charge. Sabattis was discovered deceased inside a residence in the Wolastoqey community on April 27, 2024, leading to Smith’s arrest on the same day.
During a tele-remand appearance in Burton Court on Thursday, Smith entered a guilty plea to the charge of manslaughter. He is currently in custody awaiting his next court hearing scheduled for Nov. 9. The trial for the initial second-degree murder charge was set to commence next month.