A charge of first-degree murder has been laid in Saint John’s first homicide of 2023.

Police say a 38-year-old man was found dead at a King Street East apartment early Sunday.

Officers responded to the address shortly after 5:30 a.m. for a reported shooting.

About four hours later, officers arrested a 31-year-old man during a ‘high-risk’ traffic stop on Main Street North.

The accused appeared in court on Monday morning and was charged with first-degree murder.

Staff Sgt. Sean Rocca, a spokesperson for the police force, said they do not believe this was a random act.

“The evidence that the police have gathered up until this point suggests that there was one suspect involved and that the suspect was known to the victim,” Rocca told reporters on Monday morning.

Three police vehicles were seen parked along King Street East on Monday morning. There was also caution tape across an alleyway between two buildings.

Staff Sgt. Sean Rocca with the Saint John Police Force speaks with reporters on Aug. 21, 2023. Image: Brad Perry

Rocca said there were three scenes being held by police as of Monday morning in connection with the investigation.

“The crime scene itself would be in the 100-block of King Street East and we continue to forensically process that scene,” said Rocca.

“There are two other scenes that are being held awaiting judicial authorization to search and process.”

Rocca would not say what led to the alleged shooting, citing a need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

“Because detectives continue to investigate and gather evidence, we would ask any witnesses or anyone with video surveillance in the area of the 100-block of King Street East to call police,” said Rocca.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Saint John police remain at the scene of an apartment building on King Street East, where investigators say a 38-year-old man was allegedly shot to death early Sunday.

A 31-year-old man is due to appear in court this morning. Police say this does not appear to have been random. pic.twitter.com/imYYt77CC0

— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 21, 2023