Accused in alleged murder of Melissa Price to stand trial

Katelin Belliveau · CBC News

· Posted: Aug 20, 2026 4:48 PM EDT | Last Updated: August 20

The two people accused of killing Melissa Price will stand trial.

Judge Brigitte Volpé ordered that Devlin O’Blenis, 36, and Leandra Beaulieu, 37, stand trial after hearing four days of witness testimony during a preliminary inquiry in Moncton provincial court.

The inquiry began Monday to determine if there is enough evidence to go trial.

O’Blenis and Beaulieu face a joint second-degree murder charge in the death of 39-year old Price.

Her body was found in a garbage bin on a residential street in Moncton on Feb. 15. It’s alleged she was killed the day prior, but police have not shared details about the circumstances of her death.

Both accused had previously conceded their right to a preliminary inquiry, and both their lawyers agreed Thursday to move to trial. The Crown had insisted the inquiry go on to hear witness testimony on the record.

Though the Crown only called seven out of the 10 witness it had planned to call, prosecutor Brad Burgess said Thursday that the Crown did not wish to call any more evidence.

The evidence divulged this week is protected by a publication ban. Its content can only be published after trial or if the accused are discharged.

Volpé issued eight warrants on Monday for witnesses who had not showed up to court or could not be located by the Crown.

Two were executed and the witnesses testified. Some witnesses showed up on their own, and the other warrants were vacated.

The next proceeding will take place Sept. 8 when trials dates will be set.