PICTOU, N.S. – A man accused of second-degree murder has been released from custody under strict conditions.
Jason David Bezanson of Meadowvale, Annapolis County, is charged with second degree murder following an alleged incident at the Travel Lodge on in New Glasgow on Sept. 7. He had been in custody since that time.
Under conditions laid out by the court, Bezanson must, among other things, live under house arrest at his family home, and can only leave the property if he has employment that enables him to be at home between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., or if there is a medical emergency or appointment for he and/or his immediate family members, or if he undergoes any counselling for addictions or behavior, or engages in any educational programs or services.
Bezanson also must keep the peace, refrain from alcohol or other intoxicants, not be in possession of firearms or any other weapons and must have no contact with any potential witnesses.
He also must check in with New Glasgow police twice each week by telephone.
The court deemed that because he has strong family ties in the Annapolis Valley and minimal means to flee, he is a low flight risk. As well, court declared that due to the circumstances surrounding the case, he is a low risk to re-offend.
The 33-year-old Bezanson appeared in provincial court in Pictou on Wednesday, Nov. 7.
Allison Mahar, 39, died approximately 24 hours after the alleged incident. On Sept. 10, Bezanson’s mother told the media that her son and the victim were both employees for a moving company and were travelling together – along with others – to help move school equipment.
Police initially charged him with aggravated assault, but a second-degree murder charged was added after the victim died. The Crown subsequently withdrew the charge of aggravated assault.
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