RCMP close case in Fredericton professor's slaying

The RCMP have closed the murder case of John McKendy, the sociology professor at St. Thomas University.

The body of the 60-year-old professor was found in his Douglas home, just outside of Fredericton, on Friday morning. The main suspect in the death, Nicholas Wade Baker, 27, was found dead in a rented car at a Moncton hotel parking lot on Saturday.

RCMP Cpl. Claude Tremblay said with Baker's death, the investigation is over.

"Foul play has been ruled out in Mr. Baker's death. There is no other suspect in the death of Mr. McKendy," Tremblay said. "Don't forget we had laid charges of first-degree murder on Saturday morning. So we do have the evidence to tie everything in and the case is closed."

RCMP have not commented on the connection between Baker and McKendy.

However, published reports say Baker was married to McKendy's daughter. A woman in McKendy's home on Friday suffered non-life threatening injuries. Police say no further details will be released on the case, including the name or condition of that person.

Friends, colleagues mourn

The investigation into McKendy's death may be over, but the mourning by friends and colleagues continues.

On Sunday, the Quaker worship group of which McKendy was a part met to remember him.

Jim Butler, a fellow Quaker, said McKendy will be remembered for his gentleness.

Michael Higgins, the president of St. Thomas University, was among the many in Fredericton trying to deal with the fact that such a man of peace should be the victim of a brutal killing.

"That a man who had given himself to working as a conciliator, to living a life of non-violence, should himself perish violently is, of course, an unbearable irony," Higgins said.

Meanwhile, atSt. Thomas Universitystudents are trying to deal with the news of the professor's death in the way that they think he would want them to do so.

"He wouldn't want people to harbour anger or revenge," said Amanda Jarrett, a student of McKendy's. "He would want us all to find some sort of light at the end of this tunnel and to spread peace and love in his honour. So I think people are trying to do that in the best way they know how."

Tributes to McKendy will continue throughout the week. As well, a special memorial is being planned by the St. Thomas University campus ministry.