N.S. medical examiner reaches out to Clayton Miller's family

Clayton Miller was found face down in a brook two days after police raided a party in the woods in New Waterford, N.S. in 1990.

Twenty-four years is a long time to wait for answers, but after getting a promising phone call on Thursday, the parents of Clayton Miller are happy to wait a little longer.

Nova Scotia’s chief medical examiner called the Miller’s to set up a meeting as he reviews their son’s case.

Clayton Miller was 17 years old in 1990 when his body was found face down in a brook in New Waterford, N.S. after police raided a party in the woods.

His parents, Gervase and Maureen Miller, have always been suspicious of the investigation’s findings.

An initial autopsy concluded Clayton died of dry drowning, the second pointed to hypothermia, but Clayton’s parents believe the now-defunct New Waterford police had something to do with their son’s death.

After years of protests and persistent questioning, they feel they’re finally close to answers.

The Miller’s say Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Matthew Bowes called to set up a meeting with the family in January.

“He said he was hoping it would be ready before Christmas but it’s impossible,” said Maureen.

More than 17,000 files are involved in the investigation.

“We’ve got 10 books of information. We’ve got transcripts, audio tapes. We’ve got so much information that he doesn’t have,” Maureen said.

“He has to have that and know that information before he comes to a decision.”

The Millers recently took supporters of their cause to a wooded area known as the Nest, where teens would party and where Clayton’s body was found two days after police raided a party in 1990.

“They can relate to it better, they have a better idea of what’s going on … some of them found it really hard to deal with,” Gervase said.

In May it will be a quarter-century since Clayton died.

“It’s hard going back there, but we’re living it every day anyway,” Maureen said.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore