Police confirm they are searching a property in Lower Truro, N.S. in connection with the homicide of 22-year-old Dalhousie University student Taylor Samson.
Investigators won’t say what led them to the property, or what they are looking for, but a K9 unit is on scene, searching woods in the area.
A 22-year-old Dalhousie University student from Truro has been charged with first-degree murder in Samson’s death.
Police arrested William Michael Sandeson outside an address on Leaman Drive in Dartmouth around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 18.
Neighbours say the Sandeson family home has been blocked off at both entrances of the driveway.
Truro resident Darlene Simpson says the case has come as shock to many in the community.
“It’s one of those things where you’ll never believe it until it’s proven,” she said.
Police say the course of their investigation has led them to the Truro home.
“It is a very large property,” said Halifax Regional Police spokesperson Theresa Rath. “We do have assistance in addition to our investigation team comprised of HRP and RCMP officers, we also have the assistance of RCMP in the Truro area.”
Police expect to be at the property for an extended period of time.
Taylor Samson left his home in the 6000 block of South Street around 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 15. He was reported missing the following day.
According to the Information to Obtain a Search Warrant, Samson went to sell marijuana to a new client the night he disappeared.
The documents state that one of Samson’s friends told police he seemed nervous about the meeting because he was selling four pounds of marijuana – a higher amount than usual.
Samson reportedly had asked many of his friends to go with him that night, but no one could go, so he went alone.
Investigators searched an apartment in the 1200 block of Henry Street, located a block away from Dalhousie University, on Aug. 19. Police believe Samson was murdered at the apartment, although his body has not been found.
According to court documents, Sandeson lives at the address. He was remanded into custody and is due back in court on Sept. 2.
Dalhousie University confirmed last week that both Samson and Sandeson were students at the school and that they both lived off campus.
Samson was a third-year physics student while Sandeson was accepted to first-year medical school and would have started classes on Monday.
Sandeson also has a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology from Dalhousie University and is a varsity athlete on the roster for the Tigers men’s track and field team.
Police say the investigation into Samson’s death remains “very active” and investigators continue to canvass for information and follow up on tips.
Investigators are asking anyone with credible information about the case to contact police.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell.
