RCMP renew search for remains of Esther Jones in Greenwood

RCMP investigators returned to Greenwood, N.S., this week to resume the search for the remains of Esther Jones, a 55-year-old woman who was killed last August.

A man has been charged with first-degree murder. But Jones's body has not been located.

On Wednesday, RCMP appealed to the public for help, asking anyone who spots anything unusual to come forward.

Cpl. Chris Marshall said more people will be out and about with the better weather.

"If you're out in the woods, those kinds of things, you see something that looks a little bit weird, especially if you're in this western end of Kings County or over the border into Annapolis County ... give us a call," he said.

The appeal has already generated a possible lead. Someone reported an item found near the Annapolis River.

Police recovered the item near Bridge Street, between Kingston and Greenwood, but have not confirmed whether it's connected to the case.

Jones was last seen alive on August 31, 2024, at Kingston Bible College, where investigators believe she was killed after a struggle. Her vehicle was later found abandoned in Greenwood.

Dale Allen Toole, 54, of Tremont, N.S., was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in September 2024 after attempting to flee to Mexico. He remains in custody and is awaiting trial.

"The investigation doesn't stop there, " Marshall said on Thursday. "We don't have Esther's remains at this point."

Investigators have conducted over 100 interviews, collected video surveillance from more than 50 locations, and searched multiple sites in and around Annapolis County, according to an RCMP news release on Wednesday.

Jones's family is grateful for the renewed search although it is a reminder that the trauma of their loss is ongoing.

"Victim's families get a life sentence," said niece Esther Uhlman. "We never get to move past this."

Jones's sister, Margery Parker, who lives in Alberta, said the family is thankful the community has donated a burial plot in Tremont, where Jones could be laid to rest beside her parents — if she is found.

Marshall urged anyone with information, especially those who had contact with Toole between Aug. 31 and Sept. 7, 2024, to come forward.