Halifax teen charged with conspiracy to commit murder in high school plot

HALIFAX – Police are accusing an 18-year-old man of plotting murder after officers found a bag of guns this month near a Halifax-area high school.

Jonathan Murray of Halifax was charged Friday with conspiracy to commit murder.

Murray was originally charged only with uttering threats, but police say the new charges came as they continued to investigate after a lockdown at Millwood High School in Middle Sackville.

“Based on the investigation, police allege Murray had access to firearms and was planning to commit a violent act at the school,” RCMP said in a statement.

Added Const. Tammy Lobb: “At this point we can’t be specific about the target … who or what was the subject of the threat.”

On April 6, police said they had received a tip that people with firearms were in the area and the high school was locked down.

Officers later found a duffel bag containing two long guns, two BB-type guns and some ammunition.

At the time, police wouldn’t comment on a possible shooting plot.

Murray was arrested later that night. He has since also been charged with a second charge of uttering threats, and two counts of child luring in a separate incident, Lobb said Friday.

Two suspects, one 15 and one 17, were also arrested — one at the scene and one nearby.

The two younger teens are facing a long list of charges related to the seizure of the guns and ammunition.

Doug Hadley, communications coordinator for the Halifax Regional School Board, said Millwood High officials reached out to parents via email and voicemail again Friday, as they had after the original charges.

“They just wanted to reassure parents that if they have any concerns to give the school a call,” he said.

“They’re serious charges … We’re really just thankful to police for doing their due diligence.”

Murray is scheduled to appear in Halifax provincial court May 13.