Halifax Regional Police believe the murder of Chelsie Probert, 18, was a random act — allegedly committed by a 16-year-old boy.
“We have no reason to believe that the two were known to each other,” said Supt. Jim Perrin on Friday.
READ: 16-year-old charged with second degree murder in the homicide of Chelsie Probert
Probert was found dying along a pathway in Dartmouth that connects Albro Lake Road and Farrell Street on June 6.
The 16-year-old has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Probert’s death.
Due to his age, the identity of the accused is protected from publication.
“A 16-year-old youth charged with second degree murder, it’s alarming, and an 18-year-old young lady losing their life to a violent act is alarming, very alarming for everybody,” Perrin said.
WATCH: Dartmouth community clearing brush, installing lights where 18-year-old Chelsie Probert died
Police won’t confirm how Probert was killed or what the motive may have been.
Perrin did address concern in the community that the murder may have been part of a gang initiation.
“From the information that I have here today, we don’t believe, at this stage, that, that was part of it,” he said.
The accused was arraigned Friday morning in Halifax Youth Court. Crown attorney Terry Nickerson said they’ll be looking to have the teen sentenced as an adult if he’s convicted.
“I gave notice of attention to seek an adult penalty, which is pretty much, as I said, standard on all murder files, especially on a first appearance, that’s the direction from the court,” he told reporters following the appearance.
If the teen wants bail, he will need to make an application — something Nickerson said he would oppose.
“I’m opposed to bail because an 18-year-old girl was murdered allegedly by a 16-year-old individual and until I have some other indication, I’m opposed to bail.”
READ MORE: Crowdfunding campaign launches for family of 18-year-old Halifax homicide victim
Despite charges being laid, the homicide investigation remains open and ongoing.
Although police say they are not looking for any other suspects, they are asking anyone with information to come forward.
“This was a very unfortunate incident,” Perrin said.
“Obviously there’s two young lives that have been affected, there’s families that have been impacted by this. It’s impactful to the people that live in the community. Its impactful to the emergency service workers that respond to these, that investigate these. There’s no winners in situations like this.”
The teen will return to Halifax Youth Court on June 29, at which time it’s expected he will enter a plea and set dates for a preliminary inquiry.
Comments