Calls continue for inquiry into McKendy killing

The Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Researchhas joined the callfor a public inquiry into the killing of popular St. Thomas University professor John McKendy.

The 60-year-old's body was discovered in his home outside Fredericton on Friday. New Brunswick RCMP charged his son-in-law, Nicholas Wade Baker, 27, with first-degree murder, but he was later found dead in a hotel parking lot in Moncton.

Further controversy was added to the shocking killing on Monday when a colleague of McKendy's told the CBC that the professor had been frightened for his family's safety for the last two to three weeks and that Baker had sent threatening e-mails to the family.

Sylvia Hale, a sociology professor at STU, said police protocols must be reformed so more proactive steps are taken to avoid future tragedies.

Carmen Gill, director of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research, said the provincial government must launch a review of the McKendy murder.

"I would recommend the Crown prosecutor's office to take the lead on a particular death, and to review the entire case and see how the police responded, who were the parties involved, what were the services provided, what did we know about this particular case?" Gill said.

The RCMP is disputing assertions that the family had warned them of Baker's threats. Instead, RCMP spokesman Cpl. Claude Tremblay said they were investigating Baker after the family reported the theft of a credit card and a vehicle on Oct. 3.

"If there was at any time, the family felt they were fearing threats or they were fearing for their life, they would have told us," Tremblay said. "At any time, none of those comments were made to us, no statements were given to us in relation to threats."

Baker was married to McKendy's daughter on Dec. 29, 2007.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday afternoon for McKendy. The service is set for 2 p.m. at St. Dunstan's Church in Fredericton.