RCMP say a man deported back to Canada from Texas has been charged with the first-degree murder of a Nova Scotia woman.
During a news conference Friday, RCMP said their investigation into the disappearance of Esther Jones, 55, had identified enough information to charge Dale Allen Toole, 54.
Jones was reported missing from Torbrook, N.S. in Annapolis County, on Sept. 2, and was last seen in Greenwood on Aug. 31.
RCMP Cpl. Jeff MacFarlane said the accused, who is from Tremont, N.S., was not a suspect until police received key information from the Jones family and the community. Police indicated Jones and Toole have common relatives through marriage.
It’s believed the homicide took place on Aug. 31, and included “a struggle.”
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RCMP said Toole had fled Nova Scotia and was detained by American authorities at the Houston airport, as he was preparing to board a flight to Mexico.
“He was deported back to Canada, arriving in Toronto yesterday, where he was arrested for first degree murder. He will remain in custody and be escorted back to Nova Scotia by our team,” said Insp. Murray Marcichiw, the officer in charge of Major Crime and Behavioural Sciences Group.
While no remains have been recovered, RCMP said the first-degree murder charge was based on evidence found.
“I don’t intend to speak for Ms. Jones’ family, but I know that finding Ms. Jones’ remains will help answer some of the outstanding questions that investigators and her family have, and aid in their healing journey,” said Marcichiw.
Insp. Murray Marcichiw, officer in charge of the Major Crime and Behavioural Sciences Group with Nova Scotia RCMP, speaking with reporters on Sept. 13, 2024 to provide an update into the disappearance of Esther Jones.
Megan King/Global News
Vehicle found in Greenwood
Jones was reported missing by family members on Labour Day.
In previous updates, RCMP said officers found Jones’s vehicle, a silver 2009 Volkswagen Passat, abandoned in nearby Greenwood, N.S.
On Sept. 10, RCMP said they were treating Jones’ disappearance as suspicious and that the major crime unit was now involved in the case.
— with a file from Global News’ Megan King and The Canadian Press
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
