N.S. man charged with murder in 2019 disappearance of Tony Walsh; remains found

A man has been charged with murder in the death of Peter Anthony Walsh, whose remains have been found nearly three years after he was reported missing in Nova Scotia’s Colchester County.

Police say Walsh, who was known as Tony to family and friends, left a residence in Crowes Mills, N.S., on Aug. 23, 2019. He was last heard from around 1:20 p.m. that day.

His disappearance was initially investigated as a missing person’s case. However, in December 2020, police said they were treating the case as a homicide after receiving new evidence.

The investigation led police to arrest a 56-year-old Londonderry, N.S., man on Thursday.

John Alfred Cook has been charged with first-degree murder in Walsh’s death.

Investigators also found human remains Thursday in the Londonderry area. Police say they believe the remains are those of Walsh, based on evidence and information collected by investigators.

Cook has been remanded into custody and is due to appear in Truro provincial court on Aug. 2.

VICTIM'S SISTER SAYS ACCUSED KNEW HER BROTHER

According to Tony's sister, Sara Walsh Turner, the accused and her brother were known to each other.

She says, as difficult as it was to hear the news, there is some solace in knowing charges have been laid and the body appears to be located. 

"We will be able to lay Tony to rest the way we want to and the location that we want to," said Sara, as she held back tears. "So, we're happy for that. It's just been a lot."

The family says they're thankful for all the support they received over the years in their fight to find answers. They also say they're grateful for various RCMP investigators and departments, who never gave up on the case.