Andrew Michael Bellegarde, a 22-year-old man who is currently facing first degree murder charges in connection to the death of Reno Lee is one of four people now facing charges in connection with a kidnapping and forcible confinement incident that happened at approximately the same time.
The body of Reno Lee, 34, was found north of Balcarres in April. Police launched an investigation into the homicide on April 23, the day after what police are calling a kidnapping and forcible confinement.
On April 22, 2015, police were called to the 2100 block of Angus Street after reports of a disturbance. When officers arrived, they found a 31-year-old woman suffering from injuries consistent with an assault.
Investigators believe the woman went to the home on Angus Street. An assault took place, and she was prevented from leaving. They believe she was taken to another address on the 440 block of Pasqua Street, and then taken back to the home on Angus Street. Police say she was assaulted during this time, and assaulted again when she attempted to escape. Neighbours heard the commotion and called police.
Police arrested two men and a woman on June 9 in conection to the case, and another man was arrested on June 10.
Andrew Michael Bellegard, 22, has been charged with kidnapping and forcible confinement. It is not clear at this time if there is any connection between the forcible confinement incident and the murder of Reno Lee.
Police also charged three other individuals in connection to the kidnapping and forcible confinement incident.
Ramie Louis Bellegarde, 35, has been charged with forcible confinement, robbery with violence, and breach of probation.
Barbara Lynne Illingworth, 44, has been charged with forcible confinement, careless use of a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
They appeared in Provincial Court on June 10.
Stuart Michael Sabiston, 27, has also been charged with kidnapping, forcible confinement, wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence, carrying a concealed weapon (bear spray, brass knuckles), unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles), and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
He appeared in court on June 11.
This is not the first time one of the other suspects has faced criminal charges. Back in 2012, Ramie Louis Bellegarde was charged in connection with an armed robbery in Lebret.
