2nd-degree murder charge laid in South Rawdon fire

A 27-year-old manhas been charged with second-degree murder in the death ofLaura Ross, whose remains were found following a fire in April at a rural property in Nova Scotia's HantsCounty.

Joshua EricCrowellof UpperSackvillewas arrested on Wednesday in Halifax by anRCMPmajor crimes unit, police said Thursday.

RCMPwas called to a fire on South RawdonRoad in South Rawdonon April 3.The fire was in a shed next to ahome and the remains of Ross, 27, were found inside. An autopsy was conducted the following day.

Cpl. Jennifer Clarke, spokesperson for the RCMP, said the investigation determined the fire was set intentionallyand the death was ruled a homicide.

Victim knew accused

"Since that time, our members and the Northeast Nova Major Crimes Unit along with other units in theRCMPthat have helped ...devoted a significant amount of time and resources to conducting the investigation," Clarke said.

Clarke saidRoss and Crowellknew each other, but she wouldn't describe the relationship.

Crowellis scheduled to appearin Shubenacadieprovincial court Thursday morning.