Court hears details in 2023 killing of B.C. RCMP officer

6/27/2026

Nicholas Bellemare murder trial details reveal a deadly Coquitlam RCMP raid See the key evidence, self-defense claims and what prosecutors allege next

A B.C. court has heard new details in the firstdegree murder trial of Nicholas Bellemare, who is accused of shooting RCMP Const. Rick O’Brien during a police raid in Coquitlam in September 2023. Prosecutors said officers knocked and announced themselves before forcing entry into the condo after getting no response. The Crown alleges Bellemare fired 10 rounds from a prohibited AR15style rifle as officers entered. Graphic autopsy evidence shown in court suggested O’Brien was likely struck three times in the head. The defence is arguing selfdefence, saying Bellemare did not know police were at the door and had been asleep when the raid began. Closing arguments are expected to start Thursday.