RCMP release:

The Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (NEN MCU) has charged two men related to a 2021 shooting.

On February 28, 2021, at approximately 10:25 p.m., RCMP responded to a residence on Mountain View Dr. after a report that 53-year-old man was shot though a window. The man had non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital. Investigators did not believe it was a random incident.

The NEN MCU assumed lead of the investigation, which was supported by RCMP Digital Forensic Services (DFS), the RCMP Interview Assist Team and Truth Verification Services. Investigators reviewed hundreds of relevant video and other digital files seized as part of the investigation.

On January 20, 2026, officers from NEN MCU attended two residences in Eskasoni and Chapel Island and safely arrested two people. The NEN MCU was assisted by Southwest Nova RCMP MCU, the Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, and general duty officers from Eskasoni RCMP Detachment, Inverness County District RCMP, and Richmond County District RCMP.

Ashton Bernard, 35, of Eskasoni, has been charged with Attempted Murder, Discharge of Firearm with Intent, and other weapons offences. Bernard was also arrested for a warrant associated to an unrelated investigation.

Edwin Paul, 29, of Chapel Island, is charged with Accessory After the Fact.

Bernard and Paul were brought before a Justice of the Peace and released on conditions pending a scheduled court appearance on March 3. They were released by the courts on conditions pending future court appearances.

Other Nova Scotia RCMP units that supported this investigation included Forensic Identification Services and Division Criminal Analysis Section, as well as the National Forensic Laboratory Services.

Investigators continue to believe that this was targeted, not a random act.