The community remains shaken after the sudden disappearance of Esther Jones one year ago today.
Jones, 55, was last seen alive a year ago today on August 31st, 2024 at the Kingston Bible College just outside Greenwood.
Esther was reported missing to the RCMP on September 2nd after family members hadn’t seen or heard from her.
Jones was a beautiful soul with many community connections. Her disappearance sparked widespread community concern with many wanting answers on her whereabouts.
At that time, the missing person case was not considered suspicious, but all avenues were being considered.
On September 4th, officers located Esther’s vehicle, a 2009 silver Volkswagen Passat, which was abandoned on Bowlby Park Road just a kilometre from where she was last seen.
It was at that time that the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit assumed lead of the investigation. The RCMP Southwest Major Crime unit handles all serious crimes in the south west region and Esther’s whereabouts remained unknown.
The investigation quickly turned, bringing in a plethora of RCMP resources to the area, including the Bible College just off of Bridge Street.
RCMP general duty members from Annapolis and Kings detachments who were already engaged, along with RCMP Air Services, Forensic Identification, and Police Dog Services were among many of the divisions working the investigation at that time.
The investigation continued with officers canvassing the immediate area for clues and information in hopes of locating her.
On September 10th, the RCMP released that they were now considering Esther’s disappearance as suspicious, during this time there was no public safety concerns.
Many people in the public wanted to help search, but the RCMP encouraged community members to not engage as this could interfere with crucial evidence that could support the police operation.
On September 13th, the RCMP held a press conference at their headquarters in the city to update the public.
The RCMP released that they had arrested a man in connection with her disappearance. Dale Allen Toole, 54 years old from Tremont, was charged with First Degree Murder.
Evidence gathered was enough to charge Toole with the murder of Jones.
RCMP stated that they believe the homicide of Jones took place at the Bible College, which included “a struggle.”
Toole has made attempts to flee the area and was arrested by United States authorities while attempting to board a plane to Mexico. He was flown back to Canada and remains in custody facing First Degree Murder charges.
Esther’s remains have still not been located and in June of 2025, the RCMP Major Crime Unit continued to investigate with more interviews in the area as they work to locate her remains.
At the time, police interviewed over 100 people and obtained video surveillance from 50 businesses and homes.
Officers spent time at dozens of different crimes scenes gathering information and evidence pertaining to the disappearance.
The investigation remains within the courts and a preliminary inquiry regarding the charges Toole faces is set for November of 2025.
Esther was very well known in the community, touching the lives of those she crossed paths with.
After charges were laid, many items were left in her memory outside of the Bible College, ensuring her life would be remembered.
Esther had a love for animals, especially dogs. She was known to carry treats in her pocket for dogs along her work route, while also being known for her unique taste in music.
To date, Esther’s remains have not been located.
Our thoughts remain with the immediate family and all those involved in this devastating loss, as the pursuit for justice continues.
Adrian J.
