Deaths of elderly Dieppe couple being treated as double homicide

The suspicious deaths of an elderly couplein Dieppe over the weekend are now being investigated as homicides, RCMP announced on Tuesday.

The bodies of a 78-year-oldman and 74-year-old woman were discoveredin a bungalow in the 300-block of Amirault Street on Saturday when police responded to a 911 callaround noon.

RCMP have not released the names of the victims, but a relative confirmed to CBC Newsthey are Bernard and Rose-Marie Saulnier.

According to obituaries, the couple is survived by two sons, Luc and Sylvio, several siblings and extended family members.

"None of us know how much time we have left on this earth. What is left in the end are your actions, the memories you leave behind and how you made people feel," reads Rose-Marie's obituary.

"'Big mama' always saw the best in people.She has touched a lot of lives throughout the years."

Rose-Marie, who was born in MemramcookEast but lived most of her life in Dieppe,hada degree in nursing.

She also held a Bachelor of Applied Science in nutrition and owned Natural Choice Health Centre.

For the past five years, sheworked as a nutritionist,herbalist and naturotherapist at Sequoia Dieppe. Business owner Danielle Gauvin declined to comment.

Bernard is being remembered as "a very generous person in helping various people in career choices and business success," according to his obituary.

He was past president of Acadia Electric, past president of the Dieppe Rotary Club, past president of NB Construction, and was a member of the Chalet Aboiteau Association, it states.

'Not a random act'

RCMP remained at the couple's home on Tuesday, gathering evidence.

Autopsies have been scheduled to confirm how the victimsdied,said Sgt. Nick Arbour.

No arrests have been made, he said.

He could not say if police are seeking any suspects, but did say area residents shouldn't be worried.

"At this point, we're reassuring peoplethat it was not a random act," said Arbour.

He would not divulge any further information about thecircumstances surrounding the deaths.

The RCMP's major crime unit and Codiac Regional RCMP continue to investigate.

Anyone with information is urged to call the RCMPat 506-851-7281 or Crime Stoppers toll free at1-800-222-TIPS (8477) orwww.crimenb.ca.

In accordance with the family's wishes, there will be no visitation or public service for the Saulniers, according to the obituaries.

A funeral service will be held at the Chapel of Fair Haven at a later date followed by interment in Fair Haven Cemetery.