RCMP renew search for remains of Esther Jones in Greenwood

RCMP investigators have returned to Greenwood, N.S. to continue the search for the remains of Esther Jones, a 55-year-old woman who was tragically killed last August. Despite a man being charged with first-degree murder, Jones’ body has yet to be located. The RCMP is appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone who notices anything out of the ordinary to come forward.

Cpl. Chris Marshall emphasized the importance of community involvement, especially as more people venture outdoors with the improved weather. He urged individuals in the western end of Kings County and Annapolis County to report any suspicious findings. This appeal has already yielded a potential lead, with an item discovered near the Annapolis River. Although the police retrieved the item near Bridge Street, its connection to the case remains unconfirmed.

Jones was last seen alive on August 31, 2024, at Kingston Bible College, where investigators believe she met her demise following a struggle. Her abandoned vehicle was later found in Greenwood. Dale Allen Toole, 54, from Tremont, N.S., was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder in September 2024 after attempting to flee to Mexico. While Toole is in custody awaiting trial, the search for Jones’ remains continues.

Marshall stressed that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts including over 100 interviews, surveillance footage collection from more than 50 locations, and searches across Annapolis County. Jones’ family expressed gratitude for the renewed search, acknowledging that the pain of their loss persists. Esther Uhlman, Jones’ niece, reflected on the enduring impact on victims’ families, stating, “We never get to move past this.” Margery Parker, Jones’ sister residing in Alberta, shared the family’s appreciation for the community’s donation of a burial plot in Tremont, where Jones could potentially be laid to rest beside her parents if her remains are recovered.

Marshall urged anyone with information, particularly those who interacted with Toole between August 31 and September 7, 2024, to come forward. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the public are crucial in bringing closure to this tragic case and providing justice for Esther Jones.