News release

New Case in Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes

Justice

The province hopes to provide answers to the family of 21-year-old Laura Catherine Jessome by offering a reward for information that could solve her homicide.

The province is offering a cash award of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for her death. The cash award comes from the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program.

Ms. Jessome was last seen in early May 2012. On May 25, 2012 her remains were discovered in a bag floating in the Mira River near Marion Bridge, Cape Breton.

"This is a devastating loss. We encourage anyone with information to please come forward and help police," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "We need the public's help to ensure justice is served and closure is brought to the Jessome family."

Cape Breton Regional Police have been actively investigating the case since May 2012.

"This is a horrible and tragic crime, and our police service is committed to doing everything possible to find the person or persons responsible," said Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Peter McIsaac. "We thank the Department of Justice for providing another tool to assist our investigators with this case, and we strongly encourage people to take the opportunity to come forward and participate in this rewards program."

In July 2012, Nova Scotia's Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program helped the RCMP arrest and charge two men with first degree murder in relation to the disappearance of Melissa Dawn Peacock.

In October, information received by the Rewards Program assisted the RCMP in an investigation that led to the arrest of one man for the homicide of Narico Danfue Downey.

"We all share a responsibility in keeping our communities safe," said Mr. Landry. "These two cases reiterate the need for communities to work together with law enforcement. Please remember, no piece of information is too small."

Anyone with information regarding the homicide of Laura Jessome can call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program toll- free at 1-888-710-9090.

Those who come forward with information will be expected to provide their name and contact information. In addition, they may be called to testify in court. All calls to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program will be recorded.

The program was launched in October 2006 as an additional tool to help police gather information on unsolved crimes. There are now 65 cases in the program.

For more information on this case and others visit www.gov.ns.ca/just.