N.S. RCMP close 22-year-old case; rule death of Arlene McLean not a homicide
RCMP in Nova Scotia have closed a 22-year-old case on Wednesday and have determined the death of Arlene McLean was not a homicide.
"Although the timeline of this investigation created some significant investigative challenges, investigators believe that Ms. McLean’s disappearance was not criminal and the investigation has been completed," read a release from RCMP on Wednesday.
McLean was 28 when she vanished on Sept. 8, 1999.
She told her common-law husband she was stepping out around 8:30 p.m., and that she wouldn't be gone long.
McLean then took the family car, a 1993 green Elantra, and both vanished without a trace.
The case languished for years in Nova Scotia's Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program.
In October 2020, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) located two submerged vehicles in tidal water near Rainbow Haven Beach when they were conducting an unrelated search.
Both vehicles matched the make of McLean's vehicle.
"At that time, we explored the first of the two and we determined that it was unrelated," said Cpl. Troy Murray, with the Nova Scotia RCMP, during an interview Wednesday on CTV News at Six. "A number of factors played a role in getting back in the water and finally, in April of 2021, we were able to get back to that location and determine that the second of the two vehicles was in fact related to this investigation."
In a RCMP news release in July, police confirmed human remains had been discovered. In September, it was confirmed by the province's medical examiner that the remains were McLean's.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.