Jerell Aaron Wright

Jerell Aaron Wright was a 19-year-old male who loved basketball, was close to his high school graduation, and planned to work with children. His mother, Darleen Wright, remembered him as a good kid with so much to give the world. He had played soccer and hockey when he was younger, but as a teen, his passion was basketball. He was looking forward to the future, discussing with his mother whether he should attend Dalhousie University or Saint Mary's University. Not long before his death, he had a conversation with his mother about organ donation and decided he wanted to be a donor, a choice that would later save at least four lives.

On the evening of May 13, 2009, Jerell was in North Preston, Nova Scotia, to play basketball at the youth center. At approximately 10:45 p.m., he was at a residence located at 16 Clarence Street. He was standing in a shared driveway when a vehicle drove by and a series of gunshots were fired in his direction. Jerell was struck by the gunfire. The vehicle and its occupants immediately fled the area. Emergency services responded, and Jerell was transported to a hospital for his injuries. He fought to live for over a week but succumbed to his injuries on May 21, 2009.

The investigation, led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Halifax Regional Police Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, determined that Jerell was not the intended target of the shooting. Investigators believe he was not alone in the driveway when the shots were fired. His mother later shared the painful detail that although there were reportedly 15 to 20 other people in the yard that night, her son was found alone, still fighting, with one knee on the ground trying to stand up. Police believe there are people in the community who have information that could lead to an arrest and charges.

Over the years, Jerell's family and police have continued to appeal to the public for help. On the seventh anniversary of his death, his mother, Darleen, spoke out about her family's search for justice. "I can't have closure, I can't grieve," she said, explaining how every new murder pushes her back a step. She made a direct plea to the people who were there that night, particularly the women. "You have children, you have mothers. How would you feel if it was you going through what I'm going through? It's time to speak out. You'll sleep better." She expressed her pain that so many people left her son for dead.

Police have consistently reiterated their belief that even a small piece of information could be the key to solving the case. "We believe there are people in the community who know what happened," said S/Sgt. Tanya Chambers-Spriggs of the Major Crime Unit in a 2026 statement. "Now is the time to come forward – your information, no matter how minor it may seem, could be key." The case is part of the Nova Scotia Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program, which offers a financial incentive for information.

As of May 2026, the homicide of Jerell Aaron Wright remains an active and unsolved investigation. The Government of the Province of Nova Scotia is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for his murder. Police ask anyone with information to contact the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division Major Crime Unit at 902-490-5020 or the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).