Manslaughter charge laid in death of man injured at Saint John shelter

A Saint John Police Force vehicle is seen in Saint John, N.B., on Sept. 4, 2025. (Nick Moore/CTV Atlantic)

A man has been charged with manslaughter after another man died following an altercation at a shelter in Saint John, N.B., last summer.

The Saint John Police Force says paramedics were called to the men’s shelter on Waterloo Street on July 19, 2025, after a man suffered a head injury.

The 63-year-old man was taken to hospital, where he died on July 26.

Police have identified the victim as James Allan Thorne, who lived at the shelter.

New Brunswick Justice and Public Safety Coroner Services contacted police on Aug. 26 after determining the man’s death was the result of foul play.

The investigation determined Thorne’s head injury was the result of an altercation and police arrested 38-year-old Thomas LeBlanc on Thursday.

In addition to manslaughter, LeBlanc has been charged with failure to comply with a probation order.

Police told CTV News LeBlanc also lived at the shelter at the time of the incident.

LeBlanc appeared in court for a bail hearing on Monday. He was remanded into custody and is due back in court on Thursday.

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