HALIFAX – Linda Reader describes the last ten years as a “living hell” for her and her husband David.
In 2005, their son Jonathan Reader, then 19-years-old, was murdered in Halifax. To this day, the crime remains unsolved. Next week will mark the tenth anniversary.
“It’s tough. Every year goes by. It’s tough because we don’t have resolution and ten years drives home the point even more,” said David.
Jonathan was found lying unconscious and bleeding at the intersection of Dunbrack Street and Radcliffe Drive on Aug. 7, 2005 a couple of hours after he was seen leaving a nightclub in downtown Halifax where he had been dancing with friends. He was just two blocks from his home. He died later in hospital as a result of blunt trauma to the head.
David and Linda say the guilt and frustration grows because they have not been able to bring their son justice, especially because they say they know who was responsible.
“It’s a roller coaster of emotions. We lost many years of our life. It was a blur,” said Linda.
They believe Jonathan was killed by a youth gang known as the Murda Squad. Police did confirm that Murda Squad was the focus of their investigation in the early days and it hasn’t been ruled out. David Reader said it’s been hard to come to grips with.
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“Jon got the death penalty, we got life in prison and they’re free. Hard pill to swallow.”
This week, posters will be put up in the area of the murder — pleading with the public for information for any tips that will lead to an arrest. There is a $150,000 reward.
“It’s never too late. You can do it anonymously, any piece of information would help us,” said Linda.
David says they will never give up.
“We always have to live on hope that they will be charged and held accountable.”
They say they have gotten by the last ten years with help from friends and family. They’re also keeping Jonathan’s memory alive with a special bursary created in his honour for graduates at his high school.
The Readers say although an arrest won’t bring the family healing or closure, it will help them get to a better place.
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