Python deaths: Criminal negligence trial set for September

Two weeks have been set aside for the trial of the man accused of criminal negligence in the deaths of two Campbellton boys whowere killed by his large snake.

• Jean-Claude Savoie, ex-pet store owner in Campbellton, charged

Connor Barthe, 6, and Noah Barthe, 4, were asphyxiated by an African rock python in August 2013 while staying a friend's home for a sleepover.

Jean-Claude Savoie, 38, was charged with criminal negligence causing death 18 months after the boys died. Savoie pleaded not guilty and has elected to be tried by judge and jury.

OnMonday, the Court of Queen's Bench in Campbelltonblocked off the period of Sept. 12 to23 for Savoie's trial.

The python, which measured approximately 4.3 metres long and weighed about 45 kilograms, escaped its enclosure in the apartment above Savoie's Reptile Ocean zoo and pet store through the ventilation system.

The snakefell throughthe ceiling into the room where the boys were sleeping. The brothers died by asphyxiation.

The maximum sentence for criminal negligence causing death is life imprisonment.