Truro search for evidence in murder of Dalhousie student expands

TRURO, N.S. – Investigators searching for evidence in the murder of a Dalhousie University physics student expanded their search in Truro over the weekend.

Crews moved to a property adjacent to the Truro Mall off of Marshland Drive, behind the Immaculate Conception Cemetery on Robie Street, as they continue to look for clues in the murder of Taylor Samson.

Police said the area was part of their original search warrant, which began with a Soley Brook Loop property owned by the family of William Sandeson, 22, who is charged with first-degree murder in Samson’s death.

His body has not been found.

Investigators believe Samson, 22, was killed in a drug rip in Sandeson’s Henry Street apartment after he was reported missing Aug 16.

Police described the new area of focus as marshy, and ground crews with Barrington RCMP could be seen scouring the area on Sunday.

The only visible access to the property is an unmarked gravel service road that runs behind the cemetery.

Crews worked from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. all weekend, as Sunday marked the sixth straight day investigators were searching the Truro area for evidence.

On Thursday evening, investigators said they had seized several items from the Lower Truro farm they believe may be connected to Samson’s murder.

Police would not comment on what exactly was found because of the ongoing investigation, but an RCMP Underwater Recovery Team was called in to search a pond on Friday.

An Information to Obtain a Search Warrant obtained by Global News shows investigators believe Samson was making a deal with a new client for four pounds of marijuana the night he went missing, and he was nervous about meeting his new buyer.

Police believe he attempted to recruit others to go with him the night of the planned deal, Aug 15, but Samson ended up going alone.

He only took his cell phone and left behind his wallet and car.

He was last seen leaving his Sigma Chi frat house on South Street around 10:30 p.m. that night, taking his cell phone and a duffle bag of marijuana, but leaving behind his wallet and car.

Samson was reported missing by his family the following evening, and police began to believe he’d met with foul play just one day later.

Police would then spend an entire day searching Sandeson’s Henry Street apartment in connection the case just three days after Samson’s reported disappearance, before announcing they believed he was killed at the apartment.

Sandeson was charged with first-degree murder despite the lack of a body, and at the time police said they were confident in their decision to lay charges.

Sandeson’s lawyer appeared in court on his behalf when he was formally charged. He’s expected to return to court on Thursday.