Security tight as man charged in Fredericton shootings appears in court

The man accused of killing four people, including two police officers, in a shooting spree this month moved slowly and tentatively as he made his first court appearance Monday.

Matthew Vincent Raymond said nothing as he faced a Fredericton judge on four counts of murder in the deaths of Const. Sara Burns, Const. Robb Costello, Donnie Robichaud and Bobbie Lee Wright.

Raymond, 48, wore orange jail clothing and leg shackles as sheriffs officers helped him cautiously exit a sheriff's van.

Raymond looked down at the ground for much of the morning's events, but observers noted he is slim, has short hair, is balding and has a greying beard.

The court appearance was the first time the media has been able to provide visual images of Raymond, other than a fuzzy yearbook picture from his teenaged years.

The police officers and civilians were gunned down Aug. 10 outside an apartment complex in the New Brunswick capital. It ended after police shot the alleged gunman in the abdomen, according to court documents.

On Monday, Regional Sheriff George Oram cautioned everyone in the courtroom against any outbursts.

Members of the victims' families were among about 70 people assembled in the packed courtroom for his appearance. They left without speaking to reporters.

Security at the courthouse was tight, and a large section of parking lot was cordoned off, with sheriffs' vehicles used to block some of the view of the courthouse entrance where Raymond was brought in.

The defence presented provincial court Judge Julian Dickson with a piece of evidence but the judge imposed a publication ban on anything to do with it.

Dickson adjourned the case until Sept. 24.

Costello, 45, was a 20-year police veteran with four children, while Burns, 43, had been an officer for two years and was married with three children.

Robichaud, 42, had three children and had recently entered into a relationship with 32-year-old Wright when they were killed.

Thousands of police officers and first responders from across the continent travelled to Fredericton to attend a regimental funeral for Burns and Costello.

Friends and acquaintances of Raymond have offered varying memories of the accused murderer.

Some have recalled how he retreated for long periods of time into video games, while others recall a pleasant supermarket co-worker.

Recent accounts describe an increasingly isolated loner who was ejected from a bicycle shop and a cafe for erratic behaviour.