Laura Lee Jennex, the mother of John Newcombe—a Halifax tattoo artist murdered in 2012—is urging for answers regarding her son’s unresolved homicide. Sentiments of frustration and urgency fill her plea as the investigation remains stagnant; no arrests have been made in the case. Newcombe, who was only 27 years old at the time of his death, was shot outside Winston’s Pub in Clayton Park on June 1, 2012. Jennex believes that someone must possess information that could finally lead to justice, stating, “That’s what John needs. That’s what his family needs … the justice.” Her relentless pursuit of the truth involves digging through articles and social media posts for clues to advance the investigation.
On the night of the tragedy, Newcombe had just stepped outside for a cigarette when he was attacked shortly after returning inside. According to eyewitness accounts, there was an encounter involving a suspicious individual that left Newcombe feeling threatened. A witness asserts that Newcombe indicated he felt uneasy about the presence of a man at the bar, even suggesting he was aware of potential danger. This tense interaction took place roughly an hour before he was fatally shot, lending credibility to Jennex’s belief that her son was a marked target rather than an unfortunate victim of random violence.
Despite the police’s confirmation that Newcombe was likely the intended victim, Jennex notes a frustrating lack of communication from law enforcement over the years. She recalls how detectives have been unresponsive to her calls and inquiries, aggravating her grief and leaving a void of unanswered questions about the investigation. Halifax Regional Police have indicated that they suspect there are individuals with vital information who have yet to come forward, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the case and the community’s role in solving it.
With years passing since her son’s death, Jennex struggles with her emotional burden. “All I want is to be able to put John to rest,” she expresses, reflecting on how she has kept Newcombe’s ashes close, unable to let go until justice is served. She vividly recalls Newcombe’s passion for tattoo artistry and music, describing how he expressed his emotions through hip-hop lyrics, turning his art into a therapeutic outlet. In her eyes, he was not just a victim; he was a talented artist whose expressive abilities filled her with immense pride.
Her heartfelt message extends to anyone possessing possible insights about her son’s murder, encouraging them to speak out. Jennex acknowledges that anyone who might have been involved at the time is likely a different person now, perhaps with families of their own. She believes that the passage of time might have made it easier for such individuals to come forward, appealing for justice that has eluded them for over a decade. Her conviction underscores a desire for closure that extends beyond mere punishment; it encompasses a profound need to honor her son’s memory.
To amplify potential leads, Newcombe’s case was incorporated into the province’s Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program back in 2017, which offers up to $150,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. This initiative exemplifies the ongoing search for justice—not just for Newcombe’s family, but for the community that has lost an artistic soul. As Jennex continues to advocate for answers, her powerful narrative illustrates the profound impact of violent crime, emphasizing that each unsolved case represents not just a statistic, but a family forever altered by tragedy.
