Community Alert: Second Murder Charge in Steven Boudreau Homicide, N.S.

Overview of the RCMP Update

The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (SWN MCU) has laid a second charge of First Degree Murder in connection with the homicide of Steven Boudreau, who was initially reported missing from Hopewell, Nova Scotia on April 19, 2026. His disappearance was quickly deemed suspicious, prompting a major investigation by specialized RCMP units, and his remains were recovered in May.

This new arrest follows earlier charges against another man in May. The investigation remains active, and officers continue to assess all associated offences, including a related kidnapping charge involving a different victim. While this case is specific to Nova Scotia, similar serious violent crimes are tracked in communities nationwide, just as CrimeCanada.ca monitors incident and risk patterns in smaller communities such as Harris 3, British Columbia crime and safety data to support broader public safety awareness.

Official RCMP Incident and Charge Details

According to the official RCMP release, the sequence of key events in this investigation is as follows:

• April 19, 2026: Steven Boudreau is reported missing from Hopewell, Nova Scotia. Officers determine the circumstances surrounding his disappearance are suspicious, and the SWN MCU assumes control of the case.
• May 2026: The remains of Steven Boudreau are located and recovered, confirming the case as a homicide investigation.
• May 20, 2026: The SWN MCU, with support from the Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team and RCMP Police Dog Services, safely arrests 29-year-old Cody Reid Palmer in Torbrook. He is charged with First Degree Murder.
• June 22, 2026: Investigators from the SWN MCU carry out a second safe arrest at a residence in East Dalhousie, taking 36-year-old Travis Shaun Jennings of Kings County into custody.
• June 23, 2026: Travis Shaun Jennings appears in Kentville Provincial Court for his first court appearance and remains in custody following this hearing.

Current Charges

The RCMP confirms the following charges in connection with this investigation:

• Cody Reid Palmer, 29 (Torbrook)
  • Charged with First Degree Murder in relation to the homicide of Steven Boudreau.
• Travis Shaun Jennings, 36 (Kings County)
  • First Degree Murder in relation to the homicide of Steven Boudreau.
  • Kidnapping, connected to the same ongoing investigation but involving a different victim than Boudreau.

The RCMP notes that this file is being handled under investigation number 2026-517491.

How the Public Can Assist

Investigators are still gathering information and are asking anyone who may know more about this case, the movements of the accused, or related suspicious activity to come forward. Information from community members is often critical in complex major crime files like this, just as it is in other Canadian communities where CrimeCanada.ca tracks violent and property crime trends, such as in Gordon River 2 crime statistics and safety information.

If you have any information that could assist this investigation, please contact:

• Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit: 902-365-3120
• Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers (anonymous tips):
  • Toll-free: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
  • Online: www.crimestoppers.ns.ca
  • Via the P3 Tips App

Even small pieces of information can help investigators confirm timelines, identify additional witnesses, and strengthen the overall case.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this case underscores how major crime investigations in Nova Scotia can evolve over weeks and months, with multiple arrests and additional charges as evidence is analyzed. Homicide and kidnapping incidents are among the most serious forms of violence, and they can have a profound impact on families, neighbours, and surrounding communities.

We encourage residents to remain attentive to unusual activity in their area, especially in rural or semi-rural communities where people may assume “nothing serious happens here.” Report suspicious behaviour to police promptly, avoid confronting potentially dangerous individuals directly, and document what you see (times, locations, vehicle descriptions) when safe to do so. Community cooperation with law enforcement, together with transparent data on crime patterns, is central to our mission of building safer communities across Canada.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the nova-scotia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.