**** RCMP Media Release
UPDATE: Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit charge a third person in relation to the homicide of Natacha Leroy
The Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit has charged a third person in relation to the homicide of Natacha Leroy.
On February 19, 2024, Cody Alexander Russell, 29, was safely arrested in New Brunswick. Russell has been charged with Accessory to Murder and Indignity to Human Remains. He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear tomorrow in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m.
Background:
On November 22, 2023, Victoria County District RCMP responded to a report of a possible homicide at a home on Old Route 5 in Big Bras D’Or. RCMP officers learned that Natacha Leroy, 48, had disappeared and the circumstances around her disappearance were suspicious.
On November 24, human remains were found in Big Bras D’Or by RCMP Police Dog Services. The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide and, on November 29, the remains were confirmed to be those of Natacha Leroy.
On November 30, 2023, Carolyn Ann Dermody, 25, of North Sydney, was arrested and charged with Murder and Indignity to Human Remains.
On December 1, 2023, Kevin Forrest Jr., 28, of Big Bras D’Or, was arrested and charged with Accessory to Murder and Indignity to Human Remains.
The investigation is continuing and has been supported by the Cape Breton Regional Police Service, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit and the Victoria County District RCMP.
