News release

Maximum Reward to be Paid Under the Major Unsolved Crime Program

Justice

A serious crime has been solved and a man is behind bars with the help of information received through Nova Scotia's Reward for Major Unsolved Crime Program. This week, the program paid its second maximum reward of $150,000.

In July 2013, a tip received through the program helped police arrest and charge Kale Gabriel with the murder of Ryan White. Mr. White was shot on July 22, 2010, in Halifax and later died in hospital.

The case was added to Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program in July 2012. A year later, the program received a call from an individual with information that helped police convict Mr. Gabriel of second degree murder. On Feb. 18, 2016, Mr. Gabriel was given a life sentence.

"My heart goes out to Mr. White's family and loved ones, and I hope this conviction has given them some closure," said Justice Minister Diana Whalen. "The information we received through the rewards program was critical in solving this case, and I thank the individual who came forward for their bravery.

"I urge members of the public who may have information on any of our unsolved cases to take advantage of the incentives and please come forward."

The Major Unsolved Crime Program has been in place since 2006. Information provided through the program must lead to an arrest and a conviction before a reward can be issued. A reward of up to $150,000 will be paid from the Department of Justice to the person who provided the information. The amount of the award is determined by the importance of the information received.

"Solving the most serious crimes in our community remains a priority for investigators. The Rewards program encourages those with information to come forward and assist in solving a crime," said Halifax Regional Police Superintendent Jim Perrin, officer-in-charge of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division. "The valuable information received has helped to solve a number of investigations, eased community concerns and, most importantly, provided victims' families with some measure of comfort.

"In the majority of unsolved homicides, we know there are people in our community who have information that could assist in putting those responsible before the courts. We hope that the success of the Rewards program to date will encourage more people with information in unsolved homicides to do the right thing and come forward."

In 2014, the program paid the maximum reward of $150,000 to an informant who came forward with information that was critical in solving the 2011 murder of Melissa Peacock. Information received through the program led to the arrests of brothers Dustin and Joshua Preeper, who are currently serving life sentences. The program has also helped solve other cases in the past including the homicide of Kevin Bowser and the homicide of Narico Danfue Downey.

Those who come forward must provide their name and contact information. They may be called to testify in court. All calls will be recorded.

Anyone with information should call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090.