**** RCMP Media Release
Update: Remains recovered in Cloud Lake identified as those of Esther Jones
The Nova Scotia RCMP has recovered the remains of Esther Jones, who was the victim of a homicide in August 2024.
On September 9, the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (SWN MCU) located the remains in a wooded area in Cloud Lake. The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service has confirmed that they are those of Esther Jones.
In September 2024, SWN MCU charged Dale Allen Toole, of Tremont, with First Degree Murder in relation to Esther Jones’s disappearance. He was located by American authorities at an airport in Texas while attempting to flee to Mexico. Toole was returned to Canada where he was arrested upon his arrival in Toronto.
“The dedication and perseverance of the investigative team, together with the support of our policing partners, were instrumental in advancing this investigation,” says Cpl. Mike Robinson, SWN MCU. “We’re grateful to Esther’s family and the community for their support throughout the investigation and court process. We hope this recovery provides answers to outstanding questions and helps bring a measure of closure and healing to those closest to Esther.”
-Update: Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime investigating suspicious disappearance; searching for Esther Jones
The Nova Scotia RCMP is now investigating the disappearance of Esther Jones as suspicious, and the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation.
Annapolis District RCMP began a missing persons investigation on September 2 when Jones was reported missing to police. The 55-year-old was last seen August 31 in Kingston.
Jones is described as 5’4” with a slim build. She has dirty blond/brown, greying, shoulder-length hair and hazel eyes. She may have been wearing a black t-shirt with ties on the shoulders, a black and floral below-knee-length skirt, and sunglasses with mirrored lenses when she was last seen.
On September 4, officers located Jones’ vehicle, a silver 2009 Volkswagen Passat, abandoned in Greenwood.
Through the course of the investigation, officers have deemed Jones’ disappearance suspicious and the Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit has assumed lead of the investigation, which continues.
The Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit is asking anyone who has information in relation to the disappearance of Esther Jones to contact them at 902-825-2000. Should you wish 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.
