New Case in Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes

The province hopes to bring closure to the family and friends of 21-year-old Edward David Joseph Hannan by offering a reward for information that could solve his homicide.

As part of the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program, 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.

Shortly after 6:20 a.m. on Dec. 9, 2006, David Hannan was found lying unconscious behind Harbourview School in Dartmouth. Mr. Hannan was transported to hospital where he died two days later. An autopsy later determined that Mr. Hannan was the victim of a homicide, and police believe the incident occurred where he was found. Mr. Hannan had been with friends at a Dartmouth residence earlier in the night of the incident.

"We are hoping the release of Mr. Hannan's photo and a cash reward will help trigger memories and prompt people to come forward with information that could help solve the case," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Maurice Smith on behalf of Justice Minister Ross Landry.

"Six years have passed since this tragedy, so some information may now seem insignificant," said Mr. Smith, "but that seemingly insignificant piece of information could solve the case, and provide answers for the Hannan family."

In July 2012, Nova Scotia's Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program helped the RCMP arrest and charge two individuals 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 individual for the homicide of Narico Danfue Downey.

"Investigators in the HRP/RCMP Integrated Major Crime Unit believe people have information about David Hannan's last movements in the early morning hours of Dec. 9, 2006, know what happened to him and who is responsible for his injuries and subsequent death," said Chief Jean-Michel Blais of Halifax Regional Police.

"With the passage of six years since his death, we hope the time may now be right for those people to come forward with crucial information that would help progress the police investigation," said Chief Blais. "I encourage them to call police, Crime Stoppers or the Department of Justice Rewards for Unsolved Crimes program."

Anyone with information regarding the homicide of David Hannan 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 68 cases in the program.

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