Rehtaeh Parsons case to be reopened by police
Halifax Regional Police and RCMP say they are reopening the investigation into the case of Rehtaeh Parsons.
Police say new and credible information has been brought forward to the police since the story of the 17-year-old's death was reported in the media.
Rehtaeh's mother, Leah Parsons, claims her daughter took her own life following months of online bullying from her peers after she was allegedly raped at a party when she was 15.
Parsons said the four boys allegedly involved with her daughter's assault took photos which were circulated via text to people at her school.
Parsons said the original police investigation into her daughter's case involved looking into both the rape allegations and the alleged distribution of child pornography.
An investigative team from the Criminal Investigation Division, a joint team comprised of both HRP and RCMP officers, has been assigned to review the new information.
The new information did not come from an online source, police said in a news release. They said a person has come forward with information. That person is willing to identify themselves to police and work with authorities as part of the investigation.
Jason Barnes, Rehtaeh's stepfather, said this is a second chance for justice.
"I just feel it's important to let the public know to let the justice system do its job. I know that justice tried to do its job before and seemed to fail, but they have another opportunity to do it properly now with the global eyes looking in on the situation," he said. "Hopefully now they'll have the chance to do it and the public can leave the justice system to do it and hopefully that they can do it properly this time."
