Missing Dartmouth woman now believed dead; man charged

A 41-year-old Dartmouth man faces multiple charges, including interfering with human remains, in the disappearance of a Dartmouth woman last month.

According to police, Karen LeeMacKenziewas last seenat 95HighfieldPark Dr., in Dartmouth on Feb. 25. She was reported missing March3.

While police haven't found MacKenzie's body, she's believed to be dead, said Halifax Regional Police Const. Carol McIsaac.

'She hasn't been found'

Owen Patrick Nelson was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Tuesdayin theHighfieldPark Drive area of Dartmouth and now faces charges of interfering with human remains, assault and two counts of breach of probation.

"Even though the charges have been laid, we still want to locate Karen," said McIsaac."She hasn't been found. Even though we do believe she is deceased, we're still actively investigating that."

Public posts on Nelson's Facebook page appear to suggest he and MacKenzieknew each other.

The day MacKenzie was reported missing, Nelson wrotea post with candid photosasking if anyone had seen her.

The next day he posteda video of a dog with the sound of awoman laughing.

"I miss your laugh babe.I hope that you are finally happy wherever you are," he wrote.

Nelson appeared in Dartmouth provincial court Thursday morning. He is due back in court on March 26.

MacKenzie is described as white, 5-5" tall, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Police believe she was wearing a green jacket and matching backpack when she was last seen. They're asking that anyone with information call Halifax Regional Police at 902-490-5020, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.