NS teen charged with conspiracy to commit murder

RCMP have charged a teen with conspiracy to commit murder in relation to a gun scare at Millwood High School in Lower Sackville, N.S. earlier this month.

Police allege 18-year-old Jonathan Murray had access to firearms and was planning to commit a violent act at the school. Crown Attorney John Nisbet calls it a serious charge.

“We’re alleging that Mr. Murray agreed with others to commit the offence of murder,” said Nisbet.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're alleging that Mr. Murray agreed with others to commit the offence of murder," said Nisbet.

Murray appeared in Dartmouth provincial court Friday afternoon.

Today’s charge is in addition to charges of uttering threats and child luring already laid against Murray.

Two other teens, who are young offenders and cannot be identified, are also facing a slew of charges in relation to the matter, including weapons charges.

A duffle bag of weapons and ammunition was recovered from woods near Millwood High School on April 5. The school was placed on lockdown after RCMP received a tip about a young person in the area with guns.

Nisbet would not confirm the teens were planning to bring firearms into the school.

Nisbet says investigators are still working to process evidence, including cell phones belonging to Murray and the unnamed teens.

“This is very concerning. Public Safety is a huge concern for the police,” said Nisbet. “I don’t want to lose sight of the fact these are allegations at this point. We need to take our time, figure out what’s going on.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This is very concerning. Public Safety is a huge concern for the police," said Nisbet. "I don't want to lose sight of the fact these are allegations at this point. We need to take our time, figure out what's going on."

Halifax Regional School Board spokesperson Doug Haldey says the Board does not comment on charges before the courts, but said, “we appreciate the ongoing support and diligence of our police partners in helping keep our schools safe.”

Murray’s case was adjourned for three weeks to allow him time to find a lawyer. He will be back in court on May 13, 2016.

The two youths will appear again on May 4 in Halifax Provincial Court.

Additional charges against Murray and the two teens are not being ruled out.

The investigation is ongoing.

More to come.