Paramedic tells Oland trial police waited more than a year to take statement

SAINT JOHN, N.B. -- Police did not request a statement from a paramedic who examined the body of Richard Oland until more than a year after the prominent New Brunswick businessman was found dead in his Saint John office, a jury trial heard Thursday.

Philias Comeau told the Court of Queen's Bench that he and his partner got a call before 9 a.m. on July 7, 2011, about someone with a wound and trauma.

Upon entering Oland's office building on Canterbury Street, Comeau testified that a police officer in the second-floor office told them they didn't need to bring any gear with them.

Comeau said he noticed a strong odour as he approached the office.

"I call it the odour of death," he told the court in Saint John.

Oland's son Dennis has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the high-profile case.

Comeau said Richard Oland's body was lying in a large pool of blood and rigor mortis had set in.

He described the 69-year-old's injuries as "incompatible for life."

The Crown has told the jury that Richard Oland was killed by 40 blows to his head and neck.

Under cross examination by defence lawyer Gary Miller, both Comeau and his partner, Chris Wall, said they weren't contacted by the police for statements until November 2012.

Miller asked if police would normally seek a statement much sooner. Comeau said, "Yes."

Charlene MacDonald was one of two funeral directors who attended the crime scene. She testified she wasn't interviewed by police until 2014.

When asked by the defence if it was hard to remember details after a few years, she replied, "Yes."

Earlier, a police officer testified about the search for a weapon. Const. Don Shannon of the Saint John Police Force said he checked along buildings, in grass, under cars and a construction area down the street, but found nothing during an hour-long search.

Defence attorneys focused much of their attention Thursday on a rear exit from the hallway outside Richard Oland's Far End Corp. office.

Two police officers who guarded the foyer outside the office testified the door was open throughout the afternoon and evening of July 7, 2011, and remained open until the next morning.

The trial continues Friday.