Veteran dies after alleged altercation with Saint John man facing assault charge

A navy veteran found unconscious outside Market Square on Friday died Monday night, hours after a 19-year-old man appeared in Saint John court to face a charge of assault causing bodily harm against the older man.

Anthony Dwyer, 54, was taken off life support at 8:50 p.m., according to his sister, Lisa. An autopsy will be performed Tuesday, she said.

As the charge was read against William Ronald Jordan in court Monday afternoon, other veterans sat in court, wearing their medals, in support of Dwyer and his family.

Jordan, of Saint John, will return to court Thursday for a bail hearing.

A police report said the older man "dropped" after being struck and hit his head.

"A 54-year-old male victim was found unconscious," a police release said. "This male was transported to the hospital in critical condition."

Kept in custody

Police would not respond Monday to a request for an update on the victim's condition.

Jordan appeared in court wearing a button-up shirt and sporting long brown hair. More than 20 people, family and friends, sat behind him.

After Crown prosecutor Shara Munn objected to Jordan's release, Judge Andrew LeMesurier set a bail hearing for Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

Jordan will remain in custody until that time.

As he exited the courtroom, he gave a peace sign to his friends and family.

Soon, yelling began on both sides of the room as sheriffs began shepherding people out.

Outside, one young man yelled "goofs" at the veterans, and a veteran retorted, "What have you done for the country?"