Divers search for weapon in Tyler Richards homicide investigation

A police dive teamisscouring a pond in Dartmouth, N.S, for aweapon that could be related to the homicide of Tyler Richards, a former St. Francis Xavier University basketball star who wasshot and killed in 2016.

Halifax police said they've already found evidence directly related to the case in the wooded areanear Red Bridge Pond. Today, investigators and members of the RCMPunderwater recovery team are searching thepond itself.

Sgt. Ross Burt with Halifax Regional Police saidconditions are tough. The water is about 5 C, he said.

"The diver'sin about 18 to 24 inches of water, searching through about eight, 10 inches of muck," Burt said.

Police won't disclose what type of weapon they're looking for, saying it'spart of the investigation. They've previously said Richards was shot.

The 29-year-old ex-HalifaxRainmenplayerwas found dead in a house near the Halifax Shopping Centre in April 2016. Days later, 23-year-old Naricho Clayton was also shot and killed. Police said at the time theybelieved the deaths wereconnected.

Police haven't charged anyone in Richards's death. The Parole Board of CanadanamedTyrell Peter Dechampas a person of interestin a decision earlier this year to deny his release on previous convictions.

The divers said they'llsearch for the weapon until it gets too dark, and could be back tomorrow if necessary.

Police are calling on the public for information.

"Investigators believe there are people who have information that could help solve his murder, and hope that the passage of time may encourage someone to do the right thing and come forward with what they know," Halifax Regional Police said in a statement released Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 902-490-5016. Tips can also be sent to Crime Stoppers.