Son of New Brunswick journalist charged with second-degree murder in father’s death

SAINT-SIMON, N.B. – New Brunswick RCMP say a 29-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of a well-known journalist in the province.

The RCMP said in a news release that Philippe Hébert, who was arrested Dec. 29 after fleeing from police, was charged Tuesday with the killing of Réjean Hébert.

Police say Philippe Hébert also faces charges of resisting arrest, dangerous driving, flight from police and indecently interfering with human remains.

Donald Noël, the general manager of the radio station where Réjean Hébert worked, confirmed the accused is Hébert’s son.

The 60-year-old journalist was found dead early on Dec. 29 outside his home in St-Simon, N.B., on the province’s Acadian Peninsula after police responded to a call for a well-being check.

Hébert was news director for French-language radio station CKRO and produced daily news bulletins for 10 other French-language community radio stations in the province.

He was also the author of two books about gardening.

Police say the accused will return to court at a later date and the investigation is ongoing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2023.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said the victim’s body was found Dec. 28.