(St. John’s, NL), May 29, 2024 – Through the use of genetic genealogy, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has positively identified human remains found in Conception Bay South in May 2001.

Temistocle (Temy) Casas died of homicide. His remains were located in a wooded area off Minerals Road and in the years since, investigators have worked tirelessly to confirm his identity.

In August 2021, the RNC began working with Othram Inc. a private company specializing in genetic genealogy and forensics based in Texas. Othram successfully extracted a DNA profile from the remains and uploaded it to GEDmatch in January 2022. A match was made with a fourth cousin in October 2022 but the cousin was unable to provide information about the victim. Then in February 2024, a match was made with a first cousin who was able to connect investigators directly with immediate family members. DNA testing with a family member has confirmed the identity of Temistocle (Temy) Casas.

Now, investigators are appealing to the public for help identifying who may be responsible for his death.

Casas travelled from Cuba to Quebec City on a tourist visa in April 1992. There is no record of him travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador. It is believed he died between 1997 and 1998 and would have been in his early 30’s at the time of his death.

Investigators are looking to put together a timeline of his movements in the last years and months of his life. The RNC is looking to speak to any known associates of Casas, particularly a Joanne Bergeron who is believed to have spent time in Cuba prior to April 1992 where she worked as a travel agent, and today would be approximately 68 years old.

A dedicated e-mail has been established to reach the investigative team directly. Please contact report@rnc.gov.nl.ca with any information. You can also call 709-729-8000. To report anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com .

Please see the photo attached.

Police File # 2001-20820 refers.

At approximately 7:15 a.m., police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 200-block of Portland Street. A man had been stabbed inside his vehicle by another man, who was not known to him, after he refused to give him money. The victim was transported to hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect is described as a white man in his early 20s, 5’10” tall, with a medium build, red facial hair and wearing sunglasses, a blue jacket, and blue jeans.

Anyone with information or video from the area is asked to call police at 902-490-5020. 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 by using the P3 Tips app.

24-72349

At 04:02 hrs. a black 2010 (approximate) Dodge Ram TRX4 was used to steal a dump trailer

Police are looking to identify a Caucasian involved in this theft.

If this trailer and or vehicle is located please acquire plate number and contact the Millbrook RCMP detachment.

Stolen trailer: 2018 TER-O 6×10 2E Utility Dump Trailer

Nova Scotia Plate: T450387

The truck used to steal the trailer is a 2010 (approximate) Dodge Ram TSX4 Extended Cab Regular Box, Black in Color.

Millbrook RCMP police file number refers 2024690525.

Anyone with any information about this theft are asked to call Millbrook RCMP at 902 893 6819. Anonymous tips can be sent to www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or can use the P3 app or call 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS).

The Queens County and Kingston RCMP are looking to identify two persons of interest in relation to vehicle thefts’ that occurred on May 20^th, 2024 in Kings County and May 23^rd, 2024 in Queens County. The photos of these persons are from the Liverpool Superstore on May 22^nd, 2024.

Anyone who is able to identify these persons of interest can call Queens RCMP at 902 354 5721. Anonymous tips can be sent to www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 app or by calling 1 800 222 8477(TIPS). Police files 2024-684300 and 2024-695786 refer.

Halifax Regional Police is investigating the theft of a watercraft that occurred in Halifax last month.

On April 20 police received a report of a theft of a personal watercraft on a trailer from the Armdale Yacht Club located at 75 Burgee Run. It is believed that the theft occurred sometime between March 16 and April 20.

The stolen watercraft is described as a black Bombardier Sea-doo RXT 300.

Anyone with information or video from the area is asked to call police at 902-490-5020. 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 by using the P3 Tips app.

24- 52125

Halifax Regional Police is investigating two reports of shots being fired in Dartmouth earlier this week.

On May 19, at approximately 8:05 p.m. officers responded to reports of multiple shots being fired in the area of Fader Street. Officers were able to locate evidence of gunfire in the area and found an unoccupied vehicle parked on the road that had been struck. There were no reported injuries.

A black compact style car was observed leaving the area at a high rate of speed, possibly a Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra.

On May 20, at approximately 10:15 p.m. officers responded to a report of gunfire in the area of Booth and Fader streets. Officers checked the area and did not locate any evidence of firearms being discharged. There were no subsequent reports of injuries or property damage.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information or video from the area is asked to call police at 902-490-5020. 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 by using the P3 Tips app.

File # 24-66611 & 24-67080

On February 29^th, 2024 suspects stole two STIHL chain saws from the Home Hardware at 50 Empire Lane, Windsor, Nova Scotia.  On March 3^rd, 2024 the same suspects returned to Home Hardware where they stole chain saw blades. Police are looking to identify persons of interest in these crimes.

Anyone with any information about these crimes or other crimes are asked to Call West Hants RCMP in Windsor at (782) 838-0304. Anonymous tips can be left on line at 1 800 222 8477 or on line at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 app.

Persons of interest:

Cumberland RCMP responded to a complaint of break enter & theft at a residence and the theft of a truck stolen between Friday April 17 and Sunday April 19, 2024. The truck is a 2008 Ford F-250, 2 wheel drive, 4 door with extended box, forest green in colour with a chrome grill. In the bed of the truck is a Sunlite camper that can be raised and only sits 30 cm above the roof of the truck when down. Camper colour is white with blue trim.

Anyone with any information about this theft of any other crime can call Cumberland RCMP at 902 243 2181 of an anonymous tip can be sent to www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 app or by calling 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS).

Police file 2024 675393 refers.

On May 16th, 2024, the Cumberland County RCMP received a complaint concerning a stolen truck. The truck was described as beige/grey 2006 GMC Sierra, NS marker FM46199. It was stolen from a property in Gulf Shore sometime throughout the night.

Vehicle description

• Beige/Grey 2006 GMC Sierra

• NS Marker FM46199 

• Dent in front of the passenger rear wheel 

• Grey Tonneau cover 

• Bungee cord connected from Tonneau cover to ball hitch

If located, please contact Cumberland County RCMP at 902-667-3859. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS) or on-line at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 app.

Police file 2024-660107  refers.

Today marks the 15^th anniversary of the murder of Tanya Jean Brooks and the Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case.

Tanya was found deceased beside the former St. Patrick’s-Alexandra School on Maitland Street in Halifax on May 11, 2009, at approximately 2:20 p.m. Investigators were able to trace her movements until approximately 9 p.m. on May 10 and they urge anyone who witnessed anything in the area of the school around that time to contact police.

Investigators believe Tanya knew her assailant(s) and that there are people who have information that could help solve her murder. We hope that the passage of time will encourage them to do the right thing and come forward with what they know. It is never too late to come forward and the smallest piece of information may be just what is needed to progress the investigation.

Investigators ask anyone with information about Tanya’s murder to contact police at 902-490-5020.

Tanya’s family will be hosting a memorial in her honor on Saturday, May 11 at 5 p.m. at 2277 Maitland Street in Halifax.

Tanya’s case is part of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program which 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. Callers must contact the Rewards Program at 1-888-710-9090, must provide their name and contact information, and may be called to testify in court. All calls will be recorded. The amount of the award will be based on the investigative value of the information provided.

GO #09-66613