New Case in Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes

The province hopes to provide closure to the family and community of 44-year-old Edward William Phalen by offering a reward for information that could solve his 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 his death. The cash award comes from the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program.

At about 7:45 p.m., on Oct. 25, 2011, Mr. Phalen left his home on Mechanic Street, Trenton, and drove to the local convenience store. Mr. Phalen was shot and killed minutes later outside his residence. Police believe that the suspect or suspects were waiting for Mr. Phalen to return home. Witnesses heard gunshots and saw a suspect fleeing the scene on foot. At the time of the shooting, Mr. Phalen's wife and children were inside their home.

"For the sake of Mr. Phalen's family, I encourage anyone with information to please come forward," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "The Phalen family deserves answers, and we all need to work with law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Remember, no piece of information is too small."

RCMP and the New Glasgow Police Service have been actively investigating the case since October 2011.

"Police have seen two recent examples where adding a case to this program has supported the laying of criminal charges and those matters are now before the courts," said Sgt. Paul. Vickers, RCMP Northeast Nova Major Crimes Unit. "We're hopeful adding this case to the rewards program will generate new information that will assist our police investigators and allow us to bring closure to Mr. Phalen's family."

Anyone with information regarding the homicide of Edward Phalen 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. They may also 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 66 cases in the program.

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