GRAPHIC video evidence shook the courtroom during the second day of proceedings against Nicholas Bellemare, the man accused of fatally shooting BC RCMP Constable Rick O'Brien during a routine wellness check that turned deadly in September 2022.
The disturbing bodycam footage, played for jurors in a British Columbia Supreme Court, captured the chaotic moments when what should have been a standard police visit escalated into violence at a Maple Ridge residence. Prosecutors allege Bellemare opened fire on officers during the altercation, killing Constable O'Brien and injuring another officer.
Courtroom Reactions to Graphic Evidence
As the video played, courtroom observers described visible emotional reactions from both the jury and family members present. The footage provided a raw, unfiltered view of the incident that claimed the life of the respected officer just months before his planned retirement.
"You could hear gasps in the courtroom," reported one observer who was present during the evidence presentation. "The reality of what these officers faced that day became painfully clear."
A Career Cut Short
Constable Rick O'Brien was a 51-year-old veteran officer with nearly three decades of service to the RCMP and his community. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated officer who was actively involved in youth outreach programs and community policing initiatives.
The September 22, 2022 incident began as a wellness check—a type of call police respond to regularly—but quickly turned violent. The prosecution argues Bellemare deliberately ambushed the responding officers, while the defense is expected to present alternative explanations for the events.
Ongoing Trial Proceedings
The trial continues with more evidence expected to be presented in the coming days. Legal experts suggest the bodycam footage will be central to both the prosecution and defense arguments about what exactly transpired during the fatal encounter.
Constable O'Brien's death sent shockwaves through British Columbia's law enforcement community and prompted renewed discussions about officer safety during wellness checks—calls that often involve mental health crises and unpredictable situations.
