RCMP have charged a man with first-degree murder following the disappearance of 55-year-old Esther Jones.
Jones was last seen outside of the Kingston Bible College on August 31.
That’s where officers say Jones had a struggle with Dale Allen Toole at about 4:50 p.m.
Police believe the 54-year-old killed Jones that day, but they have not found her remains.
The two have no blood relation, but they have family members in common and live in the same community, the RCMP told reporters at a media conference on Friday.
Timeline of events:
September 2: Jones was reported missing. The same day, police opened a missing persons case.
September 4: Jones car, a silver 2009 Volkswagen Passat, was found abandoned in Greenwood.
September 10: RCMP began investigating the case as “suspicious.”
September 11: Police laid the charges against Toole.
September 12: Border officers in Houston, Texas, intercepted Toole when he got off a plane and detained him.
Police believe Houston, Texas was his first American destination on his way to Mexico.
Officers deported him, which means they sent him back to Canada on a plane without telling him he was about to be arrested, the RCMP said.
He was arrested in Toronto when he got off the plane.
He’s currently in custody and will be transported to Nova Scotia in time to appear in court next week.
Investigation was extensive, says RCMP
Several police branches, including dog services, forensic identification and tactical support helped in the investigation.
Police searched eight crime scenes spread across Annapolis County, Kingston and Greenwood. The largest place police searched with a warrant was South Tremont. Officers also used several tips from Jones’ family and from the community, the RCMP said.
Through the evidence and information RCMP gathered, they identified Toole as the suspect.
RCMP Insp. Murray Marcichiw said he is immensely proud of the investigative team for their diligent work since Sept. 2 to lead to an arrest.
“Ms. Jones’ remains have not yet been located, and though this file is now before the court, our investigational work has not concluded,” Marcichiw said.
“I don’t intend to speak for Ms. Jones’ family, but I know that finding Ms. Jones’ remains will help answer some of the outstanding questions that investigators and her family have, and aid in their healing journey.”
Correction: A previous version of this story said that Toole was arrested in Texas. In fact, he was detained by border officers there and sent to Toronto, where he was arrested. We regret the error.
