Police locate remains of Nova Scotia woman killed in 2024 at bible college

Police locate remains of Nova Scotia woman killed in 2024 at bible college

RCMP say Esther Jones remains were found on Sept. 9 in a wooded area at Cloud Lake, N.S.

RCMP say they have recovered the remains of a woman who was killed two years ago at a bible college in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley.

A news release said members of the RCMP's major crime unit located the remains of 55-year-old Esther Jones on Sept. 9 in a wooded area at Cloud Lake, about 12 kilometres south of where she was killed.

Earlier this month, Dale Toole pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Jones's death.

Toole was originally charged with first-degree murder in September 2024, after being located by American authorities at an airport in Texas while attempting to flee to Mexico.

RCMP declined an interview request on Friday, but in the news release, Cpl. Mike Robinson said the Mounties are grateful for the family and community support throughout the investigation.

“The dedication and perseverance of the investigative team, together with the support of our policing partners, were instrumental in advancing this investigation,” said Robinson.

"We hope this recovery provides answers to outstanding questions and helps bring a measure of closure and healing to those closest to Esther.”

An agreed statement of facts from Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Kentville said Toole admitted to entering the Kingston Bible College in Kingston, N.S. — where Jones leased a room and operated a music studio — on Aug. 31, 2024, and causing her death.

He then "removed her body from the college and disposed of it."

The statement does not specify a motive for the killing. It said Toole indicated he did not know Jones personally but "knew of her by virtue of living in a small town."

Second-degree murder carries with it an automatic life sentence, however a judge sets how long Toole will have to serve before he can start applying for parole, which ranges from 10 to 25 years.

He is scheduled to return to court in Kentville on Oct. 16 for a status update and to set a date for sentencing.

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