A Burton man, Jared Smith, has changed his plea from second-degree murder to manslaughter in connection with the death of Sheri Lynn Sabattis, a 54-year-old woman from the Oromocto First Nation community, as confirmed by the RCMP on Thursday.
Sheri Lynn Sabattis, a Wolastoqey community member, was discovered deceased inside a residence in her community on April 27, 2024. Smith was promptly arrested by the RCMP on the same day of the incident.
The RCMP did not elaborate on the reasons for the modification of charges against Smith. During a tele-remand appearance at Burton Court, Smith admitted to the charge of manslaughter. He is currently in custody and is scheduled for his next court appearance on November 9. Previously, a trial for second-degree murder had been set to commence next month.
