Nova Scotia man pleads guilty to second-degree murder in 2024 homicide of Esther Jones
Dale Allen Toole pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of 55-year-old Esther Jones, reported missing in September 2024. Her family says nothing can bring justice for the brutal killing.
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Dale Allen Toole pleaded guilty to second-degree murder earlier this month in the death of Esther Jones, 55, of Torbrook, Nova Scotia. Jones was reported missing from Annapolis County on September 2, 2024, two days after last being seen at Kingston Bible College in Greenwood.
Her remains were found on September 9 in a wooded area near Cloud Lake, south of Greenwood. The RCMP had laid a first-degree murder charge against Toole on September 13, 2024.
Jones had 13 brothers and sisters. Her sister Judy Uhlman said: "Nothing can ever really bring justice for a brutal murder of my little sister." She described how Jones grew kinder as she aged, "looking out for people."
The family plans to fight to keep Toole behind bars. A statement from the family said the discovery of remains has not brought closure. No sentencing date has been announced, and the reason for Toole's guilty plea to the lesser charge has not been explained.
By the numbers
When was Esther Jones reported missing?
Esther Jones was reported missing from Annapolis County on September 2, 2024.
When were her remains found?
Her remains were found on September 9, 2024, in a wooded area near Cloud Lake, south of Greenwood, Nova Scotia.
