New Case in Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program

The province hopes offering a reward for information will help solve the murder of a 23-year-old North Preston man and bring closure to his family and community.

The province will offer a cash award of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the death of Narico Downey. The cash award comes from the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program.

At approximately 8:48 p.m., July 29, RCMP responded to a 911 call of an injured man on Downey Road in North Preston where they found an adult man suffering from a gun shot wound. The man was transported to the QEII Health Sciences Centre where he died of his injuries.

"We encourage anyone who has information regarding Mr. Downey to please come forward and help police," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "Please remember no piece of information is too trivial. It may be what police need to conclude this investigation and ultimately help ease the grief of Mr. Downey's family and friends."

Any person with information regarding the homicide of Narico Downey can call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program toll-free at 1-888-710-9090. All calls will be recorded.

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.

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

"Information received through the program was critical to the investigation that led to those arrests," said Mr. Landry. "I hope it encourages more people to come forward with information. We all have a responsibility in keeping our communities safe."

The program was launched in October 2006 as an additional tool to help police gather information on unsolved crimes. There are now 64 cases in the program.

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