2009 murder remains under investigation

Halifax police are asking for the public's assistance as they continue to investigate the murder of Tanya Jean Brooks 11 years ago.

Brooks, a 36-year-old mother of five from the Millbrook First Nation, was found dead in a window well at the former St. Patrick's-alexandra School on Maitland Street in Halifax on May 11, 2009, at 2:17 p.m.

Police were able to trace her movements until about 9 p.m. the day before and are urging anyone who witnessed anything in the area of the school that evening to contact them.

“Investigators believe Tanya knew her assailant(s) and that there are people who have information that could help solve her murder,” Halifax Regional Police said in a news release.

“We hope that the passage of time will encourage them to do the right thing and come forward with what they know. It is never too late to come forward, and the smallest piece of information may be just what is needed to progress the investigation.”

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to call police at 902-490-5016 or submit an anonymous tip to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

The case is also part of the province's Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program, which offers up to $150,000 for information that leads to a conviction.

Callers must contact the rewards program at 1-888-7109090, provide their name and contact information and may be called to testify in court. All calls will be recorded. The amount of the reward will be based on the investigative value of the information provided.

Brooks' family planned to host a virtual memorial watch party on Facebook on Sunday night.

Tanya Jean Brooks was found murdered in Halifax on the afternoon of May 11, 2009.