WATCH ABOVE: The family of a young Nova Scotia man say they will not rest until his body is found. Dalhousie University student Taylor Samson was last seen over a week ago and police have charged another university student with first-degree murder. Julia Wong reports.
HALIFAX – It will likely be a solemn start of the year for Dalhousie University.
On Thursday, Halifax Regional Police announced William Sandeson, 22, had been arrested and charged with first degree murder in connection to the death of Taylor Samson, 22.
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Both men were students at Dalhousie University. Samson was in the physics program and Sandeson was about to start his first year of medical school.
Police believe Samson was killed in an apartment on Henry Street, one block away from the main Dalhousie campus.
Court records obtained by Global News indicate police believe Samson was killed over a drug deal.
Student Ruth Shvalbe said a murder so close to campus is scary.
“You think that something like that won’t happen right where you live, right where you go to school,” she said.
“It’s going to be a somber start [to the school year]. A lot of people either knew him or were in similar friend circles.”
She said the Dalhousie connection to the case is bizarre.
“They were just like myself or anyone else who walks around campus here so that is difficult to wrap your head around.”
Police appeal for help
Halifax Regional Police said they have not located Samson’s body. They are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything at South Street and Henry Street overnight Sunday to contact police.
“The investigators have narrowed in on that time frame. We wouldn’t disclose why because we don’t want to jeopardize the ongoing investigation,” said spokesperson Theresa Rath.
“Anybody coming and going, possibly any squealing of tires. Anything that might have just seemed out of the ordinary. It could be that key piece of information.”
Rath said investigators are working around-the-clock to locate the remains and are canvassing Halifax’s South End, following up on tips from the public as well as other avenues of investigation.
WATCH: Halifax police continue to look for the remains of missing Halifax man Taylor Samson. Meanwhile, neighbours and Dalhousie students are still reeling from news of his murder. Julia Wong reports.
“It is really important for us to try and find the remains of Mr. Samson. That is not just for us and our investigation and the matter that’s before the courts. It’s also for the family. We hope that it would bring them some measure of comfort.”
Rath could not comment on whether Sandeson could face more charges or whether police are seeking additional suspects in the case.
Surprise and shock from students
Philippe Roy, a fourth year student, said it has been a tough year for the university, which is still feeling the effects of the dentistry scandal. He said the murder only makes it more difficult.
“This is another serious matter to consider. For new students walking in, it’s scary. They walk in and right away there was a murder here not too long ago. It’s a hell of a way to start your university degree,” he said.
Dharshan Imbiraj is starting his first year at Dalhousie in a few weeks and was shocked to hear about the murder.
“It is a surprise. I’ll probably be on my guard,” he said.
But he adds he isn’t too concerned for his own personal safety.
Mohammad Hazara and Shawn Dewolfe live down the block on Henry Street from where the murder took place.
Both men said the street is normally very uneventful.
“Something like this doesn’t fit the profile of the neighbourhood.”
Dewolfe said he isn’t worried a murder took place so close to home.
“You know it can happen anywhere so it doesn’t really bother me,” he said.
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