Murder charge dropped against man in fatal North Preston, N.S., shooting

Nova Scotia Supreme Court is pictured in Halifax on Nov. 17, 2025. (Callum Smith/CTV News Atlantic)

Two charges have been dropped against a man in connection with a fatal shooting in North Preston, N.S., two years ago.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting on Downey Road on March 14, 2024.

RCMP responded and found a man at the scene with a gunshot wound.

The victim, Dieago Downey, was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.

The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service ruled the 18-year-old’s death a homicide.

About a month later, police said they had identified a suspect and a second victim, who was targeted the day of the incident.

Daniel Romeo Downey was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempt to commit murder.

On Monday, the Crown concluded there was “no realistic prospect of conviction” in the case.

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service says the Crown offered no evidence in court and the murder and attempted murder charges were dismissed.

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