What we know about the victims of the Fredericton shooting - Action News
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New Brunswick

What we know about the victims of the Fredericton shooting

Police have identified the four victims of a deadly Friday morning shooting at a Fredericton apartment complex.

A couple and 2 police officers were killed in Friday incident

How the Fredericton shooting unfolded

6 years ago
Duration 2:06
The National looks at how the Fredericton shooting unfolded, using information provided by police and witness accounts.

Police have identified the four victims of a deadly Friday morning shooting at aFredericton apartment complex.

Matthew Vincent Raymond was charged Saturday with four counts of first-degree murder in their deaths.

Here's what we know about the victims so far.

Bobbie Lee Wright

Wright was the last of the victims of Friday's shooting identified.

On Aug.2, the 32-year-old shared on Facebook that she was in a relationship with Donald Adam Robichaud, also a victim of the shooting.

Bobbie Lee Wright was in a relationship with one of the other shooting victims. (Facebook)

Donald AdamRobichaud

Known to friends and family as Donnie, Robichaudwas a local musician and father of three described as "the best guy you could ever meet" by his cousin and best friend SeanCallahan.

He moved into the building where the shooting occurred just a few months ago.

Robichaud, 42, had started a new relationshipabout two weeks ago"and he just couldn't believe how happy he was," Callahan said.

"The guy had a smile on his face."

Robichaud, who specialized in auto body work, spent his free time riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and playing bass guitar in local bands.

But his biggest pride, Callahan said, was his children.

"They loved their father. He loved his kids."

Donnie Robichaud, centre, poses with his sons Draiden and Zakkery in this family handout photo. (Melissa Robichaud handout via Canadian Press)

Const. Lawrence Robert Costello

Costello, 45, wasone of two police officers who died while responding to reports of shots fired at theFredericton apartment complex.

He was a 20-year veteran of the force who worked on various teams throughout his career, including as a detective.

He is survived by his partner and four children.

In a statement released through police, his partner, Jackie McLean, described Costello as "the single most positive person" she'dever met.

"That was obvious to everyone who met him. He had a special way of dealing with people: fair, but strong and tough when needed.

"He was the only officer I've ever known to write a ticket and have the recipient thank him for it."

She said Costello spent years working in a specialized unitthat dealt with "some tough investigations" but that hewas dedicated to helping others, and "did the job with passion and the utmost professionalism, and always came home with a smile on his face."

McLean said that "Robb's mom was the most important woman in his life" and that hewas "extraordinarily proud of his daughters."

Lawrence Robert Costello was a 20-year veteran of the force who worked on various teams throughout his career, including as a detective.

Const. Sara Mae HelenBurns

Burns, 43, was the other officer slain while responding to the call.

In astatement released through the police, her family offered "sincerest condolences to the family of Cst. Robb Costello, and the other victims who lost their lives."

Her family thanked the Fredericton Police Forceandother first responders who answered the call and came to help.

"Sara absolutely loved her job, and went to work each shift committed to serving this great community. We appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and respectfully ask for privacy as we grieve," the statement read.

According to her obituary, it was only at the age of 35 when she decided to chase her lifelong dream of becoming apolice officer.

Burns was a stay-at-home momfor 14 years before she enrolled at Holland College's AtlanticPolice Academy. She had three sons.

In 2015, Burns told a Summerside, P.E.I., newspaper that she saw policing as a demanding career.

"[Policing]is something that I think challenges you physically, mentally and socially; you need to be aware of those components," she told the Journal Pioneer. "It's a really challenging field and to survive you need to keep all of those in check."

Const. Jeff Bartsch, who studied atthe Atlantic Police Academy with Burns, said"She's a very, very hard worker, a very fun-loving mother. She had really beautiful kids."

Fredericton police officer Sara Burns, 43, leaves behind a husband and three children. (Facebook)

In theirtime at the academy,he got to know Burns as someone who "would do anything for you and had a real true aspiration to be a police officer." He said she balanced her workload and studying with her family obligations, with her husband being supportive of her dedication.

The academy would choose Burns as a leader among the 44 cadets, and she served the role just like a den mother, "looking out for every one of us thereas if we were her own children," said Bartsch. "She was a true person, a true angel to look after people."

Fiona Williams, one of Burns's longtime friends, said sheand her husband Stevenhelped raise funds for Liberty Lane, a housing centre for women in crisis.

"[She was]one of these people you always feel comfortable around. She was always down to earth," said Williams, Liberty Lane's executive director. "Lovely, she was just lovely."


With files from the CBC's Colin McPhail, Elizabeth Fraser, Karissa Donkin and The Canadian Press.