The RCMP Northeast Nova Major Crimes Unit has charged an Upper Sackville man in relation to the death of 27-year-old Laura Ross of South Rawdon.
On April 3, 2017, shortly after 9 a.m., East Hants District RCMP was called to investigate a fatal structure fire on South Rawdon Rd. The fire occurred in a shed that was detached from an adjacent home. The remains of a woman were discovered inside.
The RCMP Northeast Nova Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation and an autopsy was conducted on April 4 by the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Service. The investigation determined the fire was intentionally set and that the death was a homicide.
On July 26, 2017, 27-year-old Joshua Eric Crowell of Upper Sackville was arrested without incident in Halifax and taken into police custody. Earlier today, Crowell was charged with second degree murder.
“Today’s charge is the direct result of the significant amount of time and resources dedicated to finding the person responsible for this tragic and untimely death,” says Cpl. Jennifer Clarke, Nova Scotia RCMP. “Although it will not bring Laura back, it is our hope that we are able to provide much needed answers to her family.”
During the course of the investigation, the Northeast Nova Major Crimes Unit received a significant amount of assistance from East Hants, Halifax, Colchester and Kings District RCMP, Forensic Identification Services, Police Dog Services, Truth Verification Services, Traffic Services, Special Tactical Operations and Street Crime Enforcement Units from across the province.
Crowell has been remanded and is scheduled to appear at 9:30 a.m. in Provincial Court in Shubenacadie.
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Source: Media Release
