Thirty-four-year-old Laura Lee Cross lived at 18 Middle Street in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She was last seen on July 12th, 2001, and reported missing on August 1st. Reports suggest that Laura had a troubled history, including substance use, and may have been involved in sex work. These factors potentially contributed to a delayed and limited response to her disappearance.
Over a year after her disappearance, on October 14th, 2002, two hunters found skeletal remains off a logging road near Dollar Lake Provincial Park, a location known for its remoteness. The remains were later identified as Laura’s. The secluded area where her body was found is often used to conceal evidence, complicating investigations.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) continues to investigate Laura’s death, which is considered a homicide. However, the case has seen little progress, partly due to the time elapsed between her disappearance and the discovery of her remains, which hindered the collection of forensic evidence. Additionally, societal biases may have influenced the urgency and resources allocated to the investigation.
Laura’s case is among many involving missing and murdered women in Nova Scotia that remain unsolved. The crime is part of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program, which offers up to $150,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Crime Immemorial 