No arrests have been made after a 39-year-old man was stabbed to death in uptown Saint John.

Police responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence on Charles Street just before 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Three masked men wearing dark clothing allegedly forced their way into an apartment, according to police.

Investigators said the victim, identified as Justin Breau, was stabbed inside the apartment and was later pronounced dead in the hospital.

The suspects fled the scene on foot and were last seen heading toward Garden Street, according to police.

“The Major Crime Unit has been developing a list of suspects based on information that we are receiving and continue to receive,” Rocca told reporters on Thursday afternoon.

Breau was acquitted of second-degree murder in the 2019 shooting death of a man on the city’s west side.

When asked if the stabbing and that verdict might be related, Rocca said they cannot confirm that at this time.

Two police cars parked along Charles Street in Saint John on Aug. 18, 2022. Police say a man was stabbed to death in an apartment the previous afternoon. Image: Brad Perry

Rocca also said he could not yet confirm whether Breau was targeted or if the incident was a random act.

“If it any point we feel that there’s information that either we can supply the public to assist us in advancing the investigation or if we feel that there’s some type of a public safety concern then we will certainly communicate that,” he said.

Searches and canvasses are ongoing in the areas of Charles Street, Garden Street, Hazen Street, and Coburg Street, said Rocca.

Investigators are looking to speak with witnesses who were in the area between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

They also seek cell phone photos or video, dashcam footage or video surveillance. Evidence can be submitted by calling police or uploading it to their online portal by clicking here.

Anyone with information can contact Saint John police at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Saint John police continue to search for suspects after 39-year-old Justin Breau was stabbed to death in an uptown apartment yesterday afternoon.

Staff Sgt. Sean Rocca says he cannot confirm whether the incident was targeted or random. pic.twitter.com/AjjqjTJ0FV

— Brad Perry (he/him) (@BradMPerry) August 18, 2022