News release

New Case in Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes

Justice

NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of Tanya Jean Brooks is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/Photos/2009/Jul/brooks-tanya.jpg .


Another case was added to the province's Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program today, July 10.

The Department of Justice will offer a cash reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for the following case:

  • Tanya Jean Brooks of Halifax, homicide.

"Ms. Brooks was last seen two months ago today," said Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry. "We are hoping that by releasing Ms. Brooks' photo and offering a cash reward, it will trigger memories and prompt people to come forward with information that could help solve this case."

Tanya Brooks, also known as Tanya Lynch, was last seen leaving Halifax Regional Police Headquarters on May 10, 2009, at about 8:20 p.m. Ms. Brooks was known to frequent the Gottingen Street area.

At 2 p.m. the following day, May 11, Ms. Brooks' body was discovered in a basement window well of St. Patrick's-Alexandra School in Halifax.

It was determined that Ms. Brooks died of unnatural causes. An investigation ensued but no criminal charges have been laid. Although the case remains unsolved, the investigation is still ongoing.

"Investigators believe there are people who know what happened to Tanya Brooks and we are imploring them to come forward," said Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley. "We are also asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything out of the ordinary around St. Patrick's-Alexandra School after 9 p.m. on May 10 to come forward.

"Ms. Brooks was someone's daughter, mother and sister and we require the public's assistance in the investigation into her untimely death."

At the time of her death, Ms. Brooks was 36-years old and a mother of five children. Ms. Brooks was an Aboriginal female, associated with the Millbrook First Nation.

Anyone with information about this case can call the Department of Justice toll-free at 1-888-710-9090.

Those who do come forward with information will be expected to provide their name and contact information. In addition, they may be called to testify in court.

The Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program was launched in October 2006 as another tool for law enforcement to use in solving crime. There are now 57 cases in the program.