Third suspect in missing Cape Breton man case makes first court appearance

Third person charged in NS homicide investigation A third person has been charged in connection to the disappearance of Justin MacDonald in Cape Breton, N.S.

The family of Justin MacDonald spent Thursday in a Nova Scotia court again as they faced the latest man charged in connection with their son's disappearance.

“It was our new year’s present, that we got that news on New Year's Eve," said Peggy MacDonald, Justin MacDonald's mother.

On the evening of Dec. 31, Cape Breton Regional Police announced 45-year-old Aaron Curtis Mickey was charged with second-degree murder in the case, along with robbery and four firearm-related offences.

Three people have been arrested in that last three weeks. Mitch McPhee was arrested on charges including manslaughter on Dec. 12, and Ryan Pyke was arrested on charges including second-degree murder on Dec. 20.

MacDonald went missing on July 7, 2024, after last being seen on surveillance video at a gas station in North Sydney, N.S.

"I'm glad to see this arrest here, but again they're still not giving up where Justin is at, right?" said Ken MacDonald, Justin MacDonald's father.

MacDonald's remains still haven't been found.

"Christmas - nobody there. New year’s - there's no happy new year's. So... hard, hard. Real... when they're not there," Ken MacDonald said, fighting back tears.

In a news release, Cape Breton Regional Police said they plan to hold a media availability about the case - the first since MacDonald went missing - sometime the week of Jan. 6.

"This court case is to get justice for Justin now," Peggy MacDonald said. "More importantly, it's to bring Justin home. Tell us where he's at."

All three accused are on remand at the Cape Breton Correctional Centre.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.