UPPER BIG TRACADIE – Investigations continue into a pair of homicides that occurred in eastern Antigonish County over a 10-day period last month.
Police indicate no arrests have been made in the deaths, which they have determined are not connected.
“They are not related,” Cpl. Carlie McCann – Nova Scotia RCMP public information officer – told The Journal in an email on Monday, noting that Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit members “remain in Antigonish actively following up on leads and information as it comes in.”
Amidst those investigations, family and friends and community members gathered for a prayer vigil on Saturday afternoon (June 6) at the bottom of Upper Big Tracadie Lane – near Tracadie Baptist Church – to mourn Terry Izzard, one of the victims, who was found dead near his burning home and trailers in Upper Big Tracadie on May 31. As a social media invitation outlined, even if supporters could not make it to the vigil, they were urged to show their “support, love and demand for justice for our family.”
Izzard – an avid outdoorsman – continues to be fondly remembered as a devoted family man and friend, someone who did whatever he could for his neighbours.
Before his death, the community had already been rallying around Izzard, whose house had been damaged extensively in an April 19 blaze. A benefit dance had been scheduled for June 20 to help him through that crisis.
Those gathered at the community prayer vigil were encouraged to assist RCMP investigators by checking any video from the evening of May 31 to the morning of June 1 that may have captured footage of a pair of vehicles: a black 2014 Chevrolet Sonic with pink spray paint or a silver 2010 Hyundai Accent with a temporary permit.
“Investigators have located and seized both vehicles, and are continuing to ask for information or video that shows their locations and/or movements before they were located by police,” Cpl. McCann told The Journal.
Along with the death of Izzard, police are probing a series of fires that an RCMP press release indicate are “believed to be linked.”
On May 31, at approximately 8:25 p.m., Antigonish County District RCMP – and fire rescue services – responded to a report of the residential fire at Izzard’s Upper Big Tracadie property. Officers found Izzard, who was deceased, on the property.
In quick succession on that night and into the following morning (June 1), the RCMP, fire services, and the Office of the Fire Marshal responded to four other fires, which police said have been “deemed suspicious and are being investigated for possible links to the homicide.”
At approximately 9:25 p.m., they responded to another residential fire in Upper Big Tracadie – on a property near Izzard’s home. A classic car owned by Izzard was also burned in the second fire.
Less than two hours later, at approximately 11:20 p.m., first responders arrived at a call in Mulgrave, a fire at an apartment complex on Tower Rd., which resulted in non-life-threatening injuries and the displacement of residents. The final two fire calls came from Havre Boucher Rd., one at a vacated residence and another at a lot.
“Investigators believe this homicide and the fires are targeted incidents,” Cpl. McCann said.
Word of Izzard’s death and the suspected related fires occurred as residents of Antigonish County were dealing with the shock associated with another suspicious death, one that occurred in neighbouring West Arm Tracadie on May 21.
At approximately 7 p.m. on that evening, the Antigonish County District RCMP responded to a report of a deceased 42-year-old man located outside on Arthurs Point Ln. On May 26, the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service determined that the manner of death was homicide.
“Investigative steps found no evidence connecting the files,” Cpl. McCann noted.
Evidence collected to date indicates the incidents in both investigations are targeted, and there’s no risk to public safety.
Warden Nicholas MacInnis, on behalf of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, responded to a request from The Journal for comment on the recent losses, offering – on behalf of council and staff – “our sincere condolences to the families, friends, and neighbours affected by the recent deaths of two community members.
“These events have impacted many people across our region, and our thoughts are with all those who are grieving and facing difficult circumstances as a result,” he continued. “We recognize the strength and resilience of our communities and encourage residents to continue supporting one another in the days ahead.”
Anyone with information that can support the investigations, including video footage, is asked to call the Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit at 902-365-3120. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
