A Sackville man accused of murdering and dismembering his spouse has been granted a six week adjournment in court proceedings so that he can get a second opinion on whether or not he can be held criminally responsible for his actions.
Roger Hilyard Crossman appeared by videoconference in Moncton Provincial Court on Thursday morning, in what was slated as a plea and election hearing for the two charges against the 62-year-old.
Crossman was represented by Saint Antoine lawyer Tim Dubé, who told the court that his client wanted a second opinion, in part based on a language barrier during his psychiatric assessment at the Restigouche Hospital Centre in Campbellton. Dubé asked for either a second assessment to be conducted at the Restigouche centre, or time to arrange for a private psychiatrist to evaluate Crossman.
Crown prosecutor Martine Cormier told Judge Ronald LeBlanc that the results of the original psychiatric assessment, which Leblanc had in sealed envelope, found that Crossman was responsible for his actions. The judge asked both Cormier and Dubé if the report contained any grounds to order a second assessment at the Restigouche centre. Neither could provide any.
Dubé asked the court for six weeks adjournment to allow time for a privately arranged psychiatric assessment, and also for the lawyer to receive and review disclosure from the prosecutor. Leblanc granted the adjournment and set a date for another hearing on January 8, 2024.
Leblanc suggested setting a preliminary hearing date in order to save time in the process, but both prosecution and defense lawyers suggested that wait until January 8.
After Leblanc explained the new date to Crossman, the accused seemed to request to speak, saying, “if I may, your honour?” twice over videolink. Leblanc explained the new date once again, and told Crossman his lawyer would further explain matters to him, to which Crossman replied simply, “yes, your honour.”
Relatives and friends of Marlene Arsenault Crossman were in court for the proceeding, and looked visibly upset.
According to her obituary, the 59-year-old left behind two sons and their families, as well as a number of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Marlene Crossman was born and grew up in Amherst, and worked various jobs in Amherst, Sackville and Moncton. Most recently, she was the beloved manager of the Amherst Theatre.
Roger Crossman remains in custody.
