The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Shelburne County have announced that they will not be pressing charges in the tragic incident involving a teenage boy who was fatally attacked by three dogs earlier this year.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the police revealed that after completing their investigation, they found insufficient grounds to proceed with any charges.
Staff Sgt. Jeff LeBlanc of Shelburne RCMP expressed condolences, stating, “This remains a heartbreaking incident. Our thoughts are with the youth’s loved ones and everyone in the community who’s been affected by this loss.”
The victim, 13-year-old Drew Nickerson, was cycling past a property on Upper Sandy Cove Road in Welshtown, Nova Scotia, on January 3 when he was viciously attacked by two cane corsos and a Rottweiler.
Despite being airlifted to a Halifax hospital, Nickerson succumbed to his injuries two days later.
The RCMP investigation involved thorough steps such as collecting and scrutinizing video evidence, interviewing witnesses and neighbors, and evaluating information provided by the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Dawn Nickerson, Drew’s mother, expressed shock and disappointment upon learning that no charges would be filed in connection with her son’s tragic death.
Dawn emphasized, “I wasn’t asking for anything unreasonable. All I wanted was accountability for Drew. My son deserved justice. He deserved to have his life matter. And as his mother, I will never stop feeling that he was failed.”
-
N.S. community mourns boy who died after dog attack
-
N.S. community gathers to remember ‘kind, empathetic’ boy who died in dog attack
-
Investigation into dog attack that killed N.S. boy continuing, RCMP say
The RCMP declined an interview request from CBC, with spokesperson Allison Gerrard explaining that investigators may seek input from the Crown to determine if the evidence gathered meets the criteria for criminal charges and a likelihood of conviction.
Various offenses, including criminal negligence and criminal negligence causing death, were considered during the investigation.
The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service also refused an interview request, issuing a statement through communications director Melissa Noonan acknowledging the tragedy and the significant loss experienced by the family and the community.
Noonan added, “Police may seek legal advice from Crown attorneys during an investigation. Because that advice is confidential, the Public Prosecution Service cannot discuss the advice provided in a specific case or the evidence considered. Decisions about whether to lay charges are ultimately made by police.”
MORE TOP STORIES
- <li class="
