Three individuals, 28-year-old Stephanie Noftall and 41-year-old Matthew Kavanagh, both of Harbour Grace and 34-year-old Terry Cole of Carbonear, were arrested on the evening of Saturday, October 5, 2024, by RCMP NL's Major Crime Unit, in relation to a recent homicide that occurred in Bay Roberts. A news conference was held today at RCMP NL's headquarters in St. John's.
At approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, police responded to a report of a vehicle fire on Country Road in Bay Roberts. After the fire was extinguished, human remains of a man were found inside. RCMP NL announced that the death was suspicious and continued with the investigation. In consultation with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner the human remains have been identified as a 42-year-old man from Spaniard's Bay.
Late last week, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled that the death was a homicide. As part of the ongoing investigation, on Saturday evening, October 5, RCMP NL's Major Crime Unit, along with additional RCMP resources, including the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, the Explosive Disposal Unit and RCMP officers from Harbour Grace, Bay Roberts detachments, surrounded a home on Gardner Place in Harbour Grace. Residents were asked to shelter in place and the public were asked to avoid the area.
After a number of hours, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the three individuals were arrested by RCMP NL without further incident. Noftall, who was reported as missing on September 30, 2024, was among the three arrested. Noftall, Kavanagh and Cole are each charged with first degree murder and indignity to human remains.
The three remain in custody at this time and will attend court in St. John's today.
The investigation is continuing. This crime initiated in broad daylight with an altercation on the parking lot of Tim Horton's and Needs Convenience on L.T. Stick Drive in Bay Roberts. Police believe there are a number of witnesses. Officers are looking to speak with anyone who may have been at this location between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Anyone who may have been in this area at this time is asked to check available surveillance footage for a blue 2021 Chevrolet Colorado truck and a 4-door 2012 brownish/grey Honda Civic car, both of which were parked on the parking lot. A picture of each vehicle is attached.
RCMP NL extends condolences to the family and friends of the deceased at this most difficult time.
RCMP NL's Major Crime Unit is dedicated to investigating serious crimes that occur throughout the province.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.