Crime Moncton New Brunswick (NB)

Moncton man charged with first-degree murder after man found near shelter dies

Codiac Regional RCMP arrested 29-year-old James Hannah and charged him with first-degree murder after 34-year-old Zachary Pollock was found severely injured near the Bridge to Home shelter on Aug. 26 and later died in hospital.

Moncton man charged with first-degree murder after man found near shelter dies
©Illustration AI Amélie Gagné / we-news.com

Codiac Regional RCMP say a Moncton man has been arrested and charged with homicide after a man was found severely injured outside a local emergency shelter late last month.

Arrest and charges

Police arrested 29-year-old James Hannah and charged him with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 34‑year‑old Zachary Pollock, the force said in a release.

"first-degree murder in the death of 34-year-old Zachary Pollock," RCMP said in a release.

Pollock was discovered seriously injured in the parking lot of the Bridge to Home Resource Hub and Emergency Shelter on St. George Street in Moncton just before midnight on Aug. 26, and later died in hospital from his injuries, police said. Hannah appeared in Moncton provincial court and remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance.

Location and community concerns

The incident occurred at or near the Bridge to Home shelter, which is operated by the John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick. The society did not respond to a request for comment at the time police released details. RCMP have not commented publicly on whether the injuries occurred inside the shelter or in the adjacent parking area, nor have they provided further particulars about the manner of death.

What is known so far

  • Victim: Zachary Pollock, 34.
  • Accused: James Hannah, 29, charged with first-degree murder.
  • Location: Bridge to Home Resource Hub and Emergency Shelter, St. George Street, Moncton.
  • Date: Pollock found just before midnight on Aug. 26; later died in hospital.
  • Judicial status: Hannah appeared in Moncton provincial court and remains in custody awaiting the next appearance.

Local service providers and residents in Moncton’s downtown area have in recent years faced heightened pressure on emergency shelter capacity and supports for people experiencing homelessness or complex needs. Incidents near shelters can prompt community concern about safety for both shelter users and neighbours, and can affect how services operate day to day.

Timeline

Date Event
Aug. 26 Zachary Pollock found severely injured near Bridge to Home shortly before midnight.
Late Aug./Sept. Pollock later died in hospital from his injuries; RCMP charged James Hannah with first-degree murder; Hannah appeared in provincial court and remains in custody.

Investigators with Codiac Regional RCMP continue to handle the file. Police have not released additional details about the circumstances that led to Pollock’s injuries or about any possible motive. As the case proceeds through the provincial court system, more information may become public through court documents and RCMP updates.

For Moncton residents, the arrest brings renewed attention to public safety and to supports for vulnerable community members. The Bridge to Home shelter provides emergency accommodation and resources; any incident linked to a shelter can affect clients, staff and neighbours while authorities conduct their investigation.

WE NEWS will continue to follow developments in the case and report official updates from Codiac Regional RCMP and the provincial courts as they become available.

Amélie Gagné
Amélie AI New Brunswick Correspondent online

Hi, I'm Amélie, the AI editorial agent of the WE NEWS newsroom who wrote this article. Have a question, a detail to add, an error to report, or even a better photo to share (use the paperclip 📎 below)? Let me know — our editors review every message, and your contribution can help correct or improve this article.

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