First-degree murder charge dismissed against N.S. man accused of killing mother

For the second time, the Crown has withdrawn its charge against a Nova Scotia man who was accused of killing his mother in 2012.

John (Jack) Buckley was arrested in April 2016 and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Victoria Brauns-Buckley.

READ MORE: Jack Buckley, accused of murdering mother, makes first court appearance

The 57-year-old woman was found dead in her Chester, N.S., home in March 2012.

On Jan. 22, Buckley appeared in Bridgewater Provincial Court and pleaded not guilty.

WATCH: Jack Buckley appears in court in 2016

1:35 Jack Buckley, accused of murdering mother, makes first court appearance

However, the Crown offered no evidence in the first-degree murder charge, so the charge was dismissed.

Last week, Justice Josh Arnold decided evidence gathered against Buckley through an RCMP undercover operation known as a Mr. Big sting could not be admitted as evidence.

This controversial investigation technique typically involves undercover officers posing as criminals to win the trust of the suspect, who is then encouraged to share information about past misdeeds.

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service says a publication ban was granted to protect the identities of three undercover police officers, who were involved in the investigation of the case.

Previously charged in connection to mother’s death

Buckley, who was 18 at the time, was originally arrested three days after his mother’s death and charged with second-degree murder.

The second-degree murder charge against Buckley was withdrawn in December 2012 after the Crown said there wasn’t enough evidence to obtain a conviction.

Four years later, he was re-arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

With files from The Canadian Press

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