Category: Crime Of The Week

September 3, 2025, Cherry Brook, East Preston, Nova Scotia… The RCMP/HRP Integrated General Investigation Section is investigating a shooting in Cherry Brook and a vehicle fire in East Preston, and is appealing for information from the public. 

On September 1, at approximately 3:38 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, with the assistance of Halifax Regional Police, responded to reports of shots fired on Cherry Brook Rd. 

Through the investigation, officers located shell casings in the 100 block of Cherry Brook Rd., and learned two vehicles were involved: a black car and a brown or grey SUV.  With the assistance of the RCMP Forensic Identification Section, Halifax Regional Police (HRP) Canine Unit and RCMP Remote Piloted Aerial System, evidence was identified and gathered. 

At approximately 9:20 p.m., RCMP officers and fire services responded to a vehicle fire on Lake Eagle Dr. in East Preston.  Officers learned the burnt vehicle was an SUV and believe this is the SUV that was involved in the shooting that occurred in Cherry Brook. 

The investigations are ongoing.  

Anyone with information about the incidents, or dashcam footage of Cherry Brook Rd. between the hours of 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. or Lake Eagle Dr. between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., is asked to contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020.  To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips app. 

File # 25-126394, 25-126538

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the murder of Douglas Keating.

Douglas’ body was discovered by two pedestrians near the water tower behind 299 Main Avenue in Halifax around 10:50 a.m. on September 2, 2000. The investigation revealed that he had been assaulted and died of blunt force trauma. It is believed that Douglas was assaulted elsewhere, and his body was moved to where he was later found. Douglas was last seen alive the night before in the Fairview area.

The Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case and believes there are people who have information that could help solve Douglas’ murder. Investigators hope that the passage of time encourages them to do the right thing and share what they know with police. It is never too late to come forward and the smallest piece of information may be just what is needed to progress the investigation into Douglas’ murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020.

This case is part of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice for Major Unsolved Crimes Program, which offers cash rewards of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the 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.

00-34947

August 31, New Campbellton, Nova Scotia… The RCMP Northeast Nova Major Crime Unit (NEN MCU) is investigating a suspicious death in New Campbellton.

On August 30, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Victoria County District RCMP received a report of an abandoned car believed to be that of a missing person from Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Officers responded to the vehicle on New Campbellton Rd. and located a deceased 43-year-old man in the car. No one else was inside the vehicle.

The death is considered suspicious and the NEN MCU took lead of the investigation, supported by the Victoria County District RCMP, RCMP Forensic Identification Services (FIS) and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Nova Scotia RCMP at 1-800-803-7267 and reference file number 2025-1279678. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

Our thoughts are with the man’s loved ones at this difficult time.

File #: 2025-1279678

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the murder of Michael Leonard Hamm.

On August 28, 1985, at 7:44 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting near the intersection of Windsor and Duncan streets in Halifax and found Michael Hamm deceased, having been fatally shot.

The investigation revealed Michael had left his Tower Road residence prior to the shooting. He was walking south on Windsor Street near Duncan Street when a suspect ran up to him and shot him before fleeing the area.

The Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case.

Investigators believe there are people who have information that could help solve Michael’s murder. Investigators 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.

Anyone with information about Michael’s murder is encouraged to contact police at 902-490-5020; even the smallest piece of information could progress the investigation.

Michael’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.

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the homicide of Jason MacCullough.

On August 28, 1999, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Jason, 19, was found deceased on a paved path between 100 and 104 Pinecrest Drive in Dartmouth.

Investigators believe Jason was passing through the area while walking home and used the well-known short-cut between the buildings. There is no indication that Jason was involved in any type of criminal activity, leading investigators to believe his death was a random act.

The Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case.

Investigators believe there were several people in the area at the time of the homicide and strongly believe there were witnesses to the crime. Police continue to urge these people to come forward and share anything that they remember about this day, no matter how small the detail. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 902-490-5020; even the smallest piece of information could progress the investigation.

Jason’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.

#99-32436

Police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying two suspects involved in credit card theft and fraud.

In May, a victim had their wallet, with credit and debit cards, stolen from their coat pocket while dining at a Halifax restaurant.

On May 8, purchases were made at various retailers, and several ATM withdrawals were made in the Halifax area.

The investigation has recently uncovered new photos of the suspects and police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying the two men.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspects’ identity 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 using the P3 Tips App.

File #25-66825

August 26, 2025, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking information on the whereabouts of a man currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant.

Scott Leslie Allan Best, 48, from Westphal, is believed to be in the Halifax area. He is wanted and facing multiple charges including Assault, Assault with a Weapon, and Utter Threats.

Best is described as 5-foot-10 with a slim build. He has short dark brown hair and may have dark brown/greying facial hair.

Police have made several attempts to locate Scott Best and are requesting assistance from the public.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Scott Best is asked to call RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 1-800-803-7267 or local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 25-105770

August 22, 2025, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia… The Nova Scotia RCMP Commercial Crime Section (CCS) is investigating multiple reports of fraud relating to the sale of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Scammers are exploiting HVAC companies that are advertising genuine energy efficiency rebates online to lure people into signing up for loans. Once potential victims have entered their personal details into a social media link or website that appears to be about government-affiliated rebate programs, the information is sent to the fraudsters.

The scammers employ staff who believe they’re working for legitimate companies. These employees then follow up with prospective victims, arranging for sales reps to visit their homes. High-pressure sales tactics are then used to convince people to sign expensive financing contracts that can total more than $30,000.

“If the loan agreement is signed, the victim’s funds go straight to the scammers’ bank account,” says Cpl. Andy Bezanson, CCS investigator. “Then the fraudulent HVAC representatives cut off contact, leaving the victim to pay off the hefty loan for a system they never received.”

Investigators encourage anyone looking to purchase an HVAC system to do their due diligence. This means researching the company, its equipment, and who they’re offering financing through. It’s also important to be wary of financing that goes directly to companies, especially before work has started, and to understand how legitimate energy rebates work.

“You should never feel pressured to hire a contactor or enter into a financial contract with them; that’s a red flag,” says Cpl. Bezanson. “And don’t provide any personal information until you’re sure that the company you’re dealing with has an established record and is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.”

The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Halifax Regional Police Integrated Fraud group.

Anyone with information about this scam is asked to call police. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 Tips app.

August 22, 2025, Digby, Nova Scotia… Digby RCMP has charged four men with firearms offences following a home invasion in Digby.

On August 18, at approximately 5:30 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a home invasion at a residence on Carlton St.

Four men forcefully entered the home while the residents were inside. One of the men, armed with a firearm, assaulted one of the residents, a 64-year-old man, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.

Responding officers safely arrested three of the men at the residence. The fourth man fled in a vehicle and was arrested later on August 18, in Yarmouth, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, and RCMP officers from Yarmouth Rural Detachment, Yarmouth Town Detachment, and the Yarmouth General Investigation Section.  

Steven Wayne Johnson, 45, Caleb Trefry, 25, Teaghan Andrew MacKay, 23, and Brandon Lambert, 20, all of Yarmouth, have been charged with Robbery with Firearm, Break and Enter to Commit, and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

Lambert also faces charges of Failing to Comply with Order and Disguise with Intent, and MacKay faces an additional charge of Mischief.

The four men were remanded into custody following their initial court appearances.

Investigators believe that this was a targeted incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Digby RCMP Detachment at 1-902-245-2579. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected.

File #: 2025-1208324

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the murder of Donald David Snelgrove and the Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case.

On August 21, 2000, at approximately 1:20 p.m., police responded to a report of a death at an apartment building in the 3600 block of Windsor Street in Halifax. Officers found Donald Snelgrove deceased in the living room of his apartment.

The investigation revealed that Donald had been assaulted some time prior to his death, and this assault was a contributing factor in his death. Investigators have information that Donald was allegedly the victim of an assault that occurred during a disturbance on Romans Avenue in Halifax sometime after 9 p.m. on Friday, August 18, 2000. Investigators are interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen Donald’s 1988 grey Plymouth Reliant in the area at the time of this disturbance and assault.

Investigators believe there are people who have information that could help solve Donald’smurder. Investigators 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 Donald’smurder to contact police at 902-490-5020.

Donald’scase 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 #00-33036