Police Continue to Investigate Murder of Margaret Hartrick

Today marked the twentieth anniversary of the murder of Margaret Hartrick and the Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case.

On September 10, 1998, at 8:23 a.m., police responded to a report from several young students of an unconscious woman in a wooded area behind Harbourview School at 25 Alfred Street in Dartmouth. Upon arrival, officers found Margaret Hartrick lying unconscious in the wooded area. She had suffered trauma to her head and was transported to the QEII hospital where she passed away as result of her injuries on September 18, 1998. 

The investigation revealed that the Margaret had been assaulted in the wooded area behind the school. Residents from the surrounding neighborhood reported hearing arguing earlier this same morning, and other residents reported hearing a car speeding from the area, which may be related to this incident. 

Investigators believe there are people who have information that could advance the investigation and hope the passage of time may encourage someone to do the right thing and come forward to police with what they know. They are urging anyone who knows something about Margaret’s murder who hasn’t already spoken with police to contact the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division at 902-490-5333. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3Tips App. 

Margaret’s case is part of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program. Through this program, the Department of Justice offers cash rewards of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for specified major unsolved crimes.