Quintez Downey

Quintez Downey, a young man known to many as Q, was a positive force in his community, a devoted man of God, and a talented athlete with a bright future. The 20-year-old from North Preston, Nova Scotia, was a student at Crandall University, a Christian school in Moncton, New Brunswick, where he was pursuing a bachelor of arts degree and playing for the basketball team. Remembered for a smile that could light up a room, Quintez was considered a leader and a role model for children in his community. He worked with the North Preston Community Centre, the North Preston Housing Authority, and FOG Construction. His former youth worker and basketball coach, Darryl Johnson, called him a "super human being," noting his friendly, positive, and sociable nature. Quintez loved his family, enjoyed playing video games, dancing, and spending time with his dog, Precious. He had aspirations of becoming a fashion model while continuing to play basketball.

The life filled with so much promise was cut short in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Shortly before 1:00 a.m., shots were fired near Clarence Street in the community of North Preston. A 911 call came in, not from the scene, but to report that Quintez was being driven to the hospital in a private vehicle after suffering a gunshot wound. Emergency Health Services paramedics intercepted the vehicle on Portland Street in Dartmouth and took over his care, transporting him the rest of the way to Dartmouth General Hospital. Despite their efforts, Quintez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 12:49 p.m. that day.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) launched an investigation into the shooting. Following an autopsy, the Nova Scotia medical examiner officially ruled Quintez Downey's death a homicide. Investigators believe that Quintez was likely alone when he was shot. Police have stated their belief that there are people in the community who have crucial information about the shooting but have not yet come forward to share what they know with law enforcement.

The news of his violent death sent shockwaves through his community and beyond. His coach, Darryl Johnson, expressed his profound disbelief, stating, "Of all the... youth that I've worked with, and all the students, Q was the last person — he was absolutely the last person — I would think that would be in a situation where he's no longer here because of violence." In the wake of the tragedy, a family friend organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Quintez's family, describing him as a "terrific role model for the kids" who had a "very bright future ahead of him." The fundraiser quickly surpassed its goal, demonstrating the community's love and support for the Downey family.

In June 2021, hoping to generate new leads, authorities added Quintez's case to the Nova Scotia Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program. The program offers a significant financial incentive for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a homicide. Then-Attorney General and Minister of Justice Randy Delorey urged anyone with information to come forward, expressing hope that the reward would help bring closure to the young man's family, friends, and community.

As of May 2022, the investigation into the murder of Quintez Downey remains open and unsolved, with no arrests having been made. His case is listed on the Halifax Regional Police's major unsolved cases page, a constant and somber reminder of a life taken too soon. The Government of the Province of Nova Scotia is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death. Anyone with information is asked to call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090.