Lee Murder Trial: Saint John Jury Finds Two Men Not Guilty
A Saint John jury has found Stephen Martin, 67, and Charles Pleasance, 59, not guilty of being accessories after the fact to the 2024 murder of Allan (Al) Christopher Lee, 52. The verdict was delivered Friday, September 18, 2026, after approximately two days of deliberations.
Lee’s body was discovered on August 1, 2024, in a wooded area near Lorneville on the western outskirts of Saint John. His death led to a lengthy investigation and eventually to the trial of Martin and Pleasance. The Crown alleged that Martin and Pleasance helped Jinelle Thompson avoid the consequences of the killing. Thompson had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with no possibility of parole for at least 10 years. During the trial, Thompson testified that she shot Lee in the back of the head while he was in a Jeep and then shot him twice more after pulling him from the vehicle. The Jeep belonged to Martin. She also testified about efforts to clean and dispose of the vehicle. The jury also heard testimony from other witnesses, including Lana Jesso, who was in the Jeep when Lee was shot. The Crown’s case included evidence concerning the Jeep, police investigation and events following Lee’s death. The defence did not call evidence. After closing arguments and the judge’s instructions, the jury began deliberating Wednesday afternoon. They continued into the evening, returned Thursday, and reached their verdict at about 11:20 a.m. Friday.
Verdict
Stephen Martin — Not guilty
Charles Pleasance — Not guilty
The verdict means the jury was not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that either man committed the offence of being an accessory after the fact.
