(St. John’s, NL) November 27, 2025 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has charged a man for intimidating a witness of an ongoing trial in St. John’s.

Desmond Downey is currently on trial for manslaughter, a charged laid by the RNC in 2022. He is accused in the death of a 71-year-old on Wishingwell Road.

On Wednesday (Nov. 26), the RNC received a report that Downey had been communicating with, and intimidating, a witness due to be called in court as part of his manslaughter trial. Today (Nov. 27), Downey was charged with the intimidation of a justice system participant and breaches of his court order.

He will appear in court for those charges today (Nov. 27).

Anyone with information to assist the investigation is asked to contact the RNC at 709-729-8000. To report anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com.

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File # 2025-81773

 

Cst. Stephanie Myers, #874
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
709-729-8658