Cape Breton police confident they will find missing man in what is now a homicide investigation

The chief of Cape Breton Regional Police, Robert Walsh, is urging the public to come forward with any information that may help in the search for Justin MacDonald’s body. MacDonald, 34, has been missing since July and his case was declared a homicide in November.

During a media briefing, Walsh expressed confidence that investigators will find MacDonald’s body. He emphasized the importance of tips from the public and stated that the police are committed to continuing the investigation until they bring closure to MacDonald’s family.

Insp. Joe Farrell provided an update on the investigation, stating that police have interviewed hundreds of people and searched over 50 locations. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, with more charges possibly pending.

MacDonald’s father, Ken MacDonald, has been actively involved in the search efforts and has been posting regular updates on social media. He expressed his belief that his son will be found and emphasized the toll that not knowing his son’s whereabouts has taken on him.

In December, Mitchell George McPhee was charged with manslaughter in MacDonald’s disappearance, along with robbery and assault charges involving another man. Ryan Joseph Pike was later arrested and charged with second-degree murder and robbery, followed by Aaron Curtis Mickey who was charged with second-degree murder, robbery, and firearm-related offenses.

Walsh stated that the investigation is ongoing and that more details cannot be provided at this time. He emphasized that the incident was not random and involved individuals connected to each other.

Farrell mentioned that the homicide case was linked to a robbery, but further details could not be disclosed. Police have conducted searches in a wide area, spanning from North Sydney to Irish Vale, N.S.

MacDonald was last seen on July 7 at an Irving gas station in North Sydney, and his vehicle was later found in the Ormond Crescent area of Mira Road. The search for MacDonald’s body continues, with police following up on leads and conducting interviews to bring closure to the case.