**** 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.”
