Defence might challenge search in drug trial
Murder suspects Erica Lea Ann Blyth, 41, and Devon Mark Hill Hood, 26, set to stand trial on narcotics-trafficking, firearms charges in Sept., though Hood’s case may resolve earlier
A Newcastle Creek woman awaiting her jury trial on a first-degree murder charge is considering a challenge of a search of her home in a separate drug-trafficking prosecution.
A pre-trial conference was held in the Court of King’s Bench at the Burton Courthouse on Thursday for Erica Lea Ann Blyth, 41, of Wasson Road in Newcastle Creek near Minto, and Devon Mark Hill Hood, 26, of Veterans Drive in Fredericton.
The duo is jointly charged with June 21 counts of possession of crystal meth, cocaine and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) for the purpose of trafficking; possession of a loaded, prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun) without a licence; possession of unloaded prohibited firearms (two other sawed-off shotguns) with readily accessible ammunition; possession of seven firearms for a purpose dangerous to the public peace; possession of non-restricted firearms without a licence; and illegal storage of those weapons.
The charges arose after police executed a search warrant June 21 at Blyth’s home.