News release

Josiah Sparks Murder Added to Rewards Program

Justice

The Homicide Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division and the provincial government are taking additional steps to help solve a September 2017 murder in Halifax Regional Municipality.

The homicide of Josiah Kaelin Sparks of Loon Lake has been added to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program. The program provides up to $150,000 to anyone who shares information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for these homicides.

"I know how difficult a violent death is for a family; it’s also hard for the community," said Justice Minister Mark Furey. "We hope that adding Josiah Sparks’s murder to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program will encourage people to do what they can to help solve this crime."

On Sept. 14, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded to a report that that the body of Josiah Sparks had been found. Investigators believe that Mr. Sparks met with foul play sometime between Sept. 11 and 14.

“We believe there are people who have information that they haven’t provided to police,” said Acting Inspector Lisa Stuart, Officer-in-Charge of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division. “We’re actively investigating this crime and hope the incentive of a monetary reward will encourage people to come forward and help with the investigation.”

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

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

The Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program was launched in October 2006 as an additional tool to help police gather information on unsolved crimes. For more information about these cases and others, visit http://novascotia.ca/just/Public_Safety/Rewards/.