A man, aged 43, residing in Blockhouse, Nova Scotia, was informed on Friday about the duration he must serve in prison before being eligible for parole following the fatal shooting of another man in July 2023. The judge described the murder as “brutal and callous,” yet the motive behind it remains unclear. Arthur Abdul Mosher, who admitted to second-degree murder in the killing of Josh Veinotte, 49, was sentenced to a life term with a parole ineligibility period of 15 years.
During the court hearing in Bridgewater, two of Veinotte’s family members shared impact statements, portraying him as a loving father of two children, known for his amiable and accepting nature. Veinotte’s former partner, Jennifer Gaudet, expressed her ongoing grief, highlighting his kindheartedness and forgiving spirit. She emphasized Veinotte’s inability to see malice in others due to his innate kindness.
Veinotte’s sister, Jane Mullen, expressed sorrow for the impact on Veinotte’s sons and commended law enforcement and prosecutors for their respectful handling of the case. The court learned that Veinotte was shot inside Mosher’s residence before being fatally shot again outside and disposed of in a gravel pit in Parkdale, Nova Scotia. Mosher instructed individuals to clean up the crime scene and later set Veinotte’s vehicle on fire.
The authorities linked Mosher to the crime through surveillance footage showing his use of Veinotte’s bank cards post the incident. Upon searching Mosher’s residence, evidence including blood traces and a dismantled firearm were discovered, leading to his confession. Crown attorney Bryson McDonald labeled the murder as senseless, with no apparent motive.
Mosher, addressing the court, expressed regret to Veinotte’s family but refrained from divulging specifics on advice from his legal counsel. Despite his criminal history mainly involving drug offenses, his defense lawyer highlighted the unexpected nature of the violence in this case. The judge accepted the recommended 15-year parole ineligibility, acknowledging the absence of a trial due to Mosher’s guilty plea. The motive behind Veinotte’s killing remains unresolved, leaving unanswered questions in court.