Dennis Oland's new trial halts probe of father's murder investigation

The New Brunswick Police Commission's investigation into the Saint John Police Force's handling of the Richard Oland murder investigation hasbeen postponed indefinitely now that the Court of Appeal has ordered a new trial for Dennis Oland.

The review by theindependent provincialoversight body.will remain suspended "until such time as all criminal proceedings are completed," executive director Steve Roberge confirmed in an email to CBC News.

It's unclear how long that will take.A date forOland'ssecond trial in his father's 2011deathhas not yet been set.

His next scheduled court appearance to possibly set a trial date is at Saint John's Court of Queen's Bench on Dec. 5, "or any day earlier the court may decide," Justice Marc Richard said during Tuesday'sbail hearing.

• Dennis Oland released on bail by N.B. Court of Appeal, pending retrial
• Dennis Oland gets new 2nd-degree murder trial, as appeal court cites judge's error

Meanwhile, aseparate police commission investigation into allegations Deputy Chief GlenMcCloskeyencouraged another officer not to revealMcCloskeyhad entered the bloody crime scene is proceeding, saidRoberge.

It isexpected to be complete by Dec. 26, he said.

Oland, 48, was released on bail Tuesday after the Court of Appeal panel overturned his convictionand ordered a new trial on Monday.

Olandhad been in prison since Dec. 19, when a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder following a three-month trial in Saint John's Court of Queen's Bench. He wasserving a life sentence with no chance of parole for at least 10 years.

Saint John Police Chief John Bates declined to comment on the latest developments, deferring inquiries to the Office of theAttorney General.

The Attorney General's office has alsodeclined to comment.

Inquiry was launched last December

The New Brunswick Police Commission'sreview of the police investigationwas initiated on Dec. 22 after several issues came to light during the trial.

The jury heard evidence that police failed to protect the crime scene from possible contamination, used thewashroom located in the foyer outside the victim's office for two days before it was forensically testedand never tested the back door for evidence.

NicolePaquet, then-chair of the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners, had requested the provincial commission review.

She also felt the review wasimportant for officer morale, she had said.

The reviewwassuspended, however, in January, afterOland'sdefence lawyer filed his appeal.

"We wish to ensure that a commission investigation does not affect or impact the ongoing criminal proceedings," the commission had said in a statement.

Once the investigation is completed, the results and any recommendations will be advanced to the minister of public safety for consideration. It's unclear when that will be or whether the findingswill be made public.

Deputy chief cleared of criminal wrongdoing

The otherinquiry into the "witness tampering"allegations againstthe deputy chief was previously initiated by the chief based onthe testimony of retired staff sergeantMike King.

King told the courtMcCloskey, who was an inspector at the time of the murder, hadsuggested during a meeting in 2014 that he lieto the court about McCloskeyhaving been at the crime scene.

McCloskeydenied the allegationsunder oath, but admitted he entered crime scene twice once to observe the bodyand a second time out of "curiosity."

Within a month,the conduct complaint investigation under the provincial Police Act was handed over to Halifax Regional Police to lookinto possible "criminal allegations," the details of which have not been released.

McCloskey was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing earlier this month, following an eight-month investigation,and the New Brunswick Police Commission inquiry resumed.

The body of RichardOland, 69, was discovered the following morning, lying face down in a pool of blood in his investment firm Far End Corporation on Canterbury Street. He had suffered 45 blows to his head, neck and hands.

His son was the last know person to see him alive.

The New Brunswick Police Commissioninvestigates and resolves citizens' complaints relating to the conduct of police officers, according to its website.