Homicide victims found in burned vehicle were dead before fire started: N.S. RCMP

Homicide victims Kelly Trask and Tyler Meagher are pictured in this composite image. (Nova Scotia RCMP)

The Nova Scotia RCMP says two people whose remains were found inside a burned-out vehicle in Pictou County last year were already dead before the vehicle was set on fire.

Police responded to a report of an abandoned and burned vehicle on MacLean Road in Greenhill, N.S., around 2:10 p.m. on Nov. 9, 2024.

Inside they found two bodies, which were identified in December 2024 as those of 32-year-old Keleana “Kelly” Trask of Truro, N.S., and 34-year-old Tyler Meagher of Grand Prairie, Alta.

Police said Trask was last seen alive on Nov. 5 and reported missing on Nov. 14.

Following an investigation, police now say they believe the fire was intentionally set, and that Trask and Meagher were already dead before it started.

“Video from a variety of sources has allowed investigators to learn more about the days leading up to the homicides, which are believed to have occurred on November 9,” said the RCMP in a news release Tuesday.

“Investigators have been able to identify vehicles observed in the MacLean Rd. area around the time that the fire was set.”

The RCMP’s Major Crime Unit, which is leading the investigation, is still looking for potential witnesses and anyone who has information about Trask and Meagher in the days before their deaths.

“We’ve been able to advance our investigation with the support of the community and partner agencies. We are now continuing to appeal to the public for information related to the days before and after the homicides took place,” said RCMP Const. Tom Dunderdale, lead investigator, in the release.

“What may seem like a small detail could play a big part in our investigation.”

The RCMP is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Northeast Nova Major Crime Unit at [phone] and reference file number 2024-1655384. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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