2 Bathurst police officers learn today if they'll stand trial for manslaughter

Two Bathurst police officers charged in the shooting death of Michel Vienneaumore than two years ago will learn today whether they will stand trial.

Const. Patrick Bulger, 38, of Beresford and Const. Mathieu Boudreau 26, of Dunlop are scheduled to appear in Bathurstcourt at 1:30 p.m.

Theyare each charged with manslaughter with a weapon, assault with a weapon, and unlawfully pointing a firearm in connection with Vienneau's death on Jan. 12, 2015.

Vienneau, 51,was shotin the parking lot of theVia Rail station inBathurstafter getting off a train from Montreal.

Court documents filed in alawsuit by Vienneau's partner, Annick Basque, revealed police were actingon a Crime Stoppers tip when they stopped the coupleas they were coming off the train.

Other documents filed by the City of Bathurstsay the officers fired in self-defence after Vienneau's car accelerated towardan officer, pinning him against a snowbank.

Nova Scotia RCMPinvestigated the incident and concluded Vienneau was not involved in any criminal activity.

Judge AnneDugas-Horsmanwill deliver her ruling on whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, based on a preliminaryinquiry thatwas held on non-consecutive dates between August and October.

Evidence heard during the preliminary inquiry cannot be reported because of a publication ban.

TJ Burke of Fredericton is representingBulger, and Boudreauis represented by BrianMunro fromSaint John.