Truro brawl charge now murder

A man accused of killing another man last week in Truro will now face a charge of murder, police say.

Dustan Joseph Preeper was charged with manslaughter Friday in the death of 26-year-old Ben Hare.

Truro Police Chief Dave MacNeil said Monday that Preeper, 22, will now face a charge of second-degree murder when he appears in court Tuesday.

The charge was upgraded as the result of the medical examiner's autopsy report, ongoing investigation and consultation with prosecutors, he said Monday.

MacNeil said he expects the lesser charge will be dropped, but he said that is up to the prosecution service.

Hare was found dead at an apartment building on Lyman Street near Truro's Victoria Park after police responded to several 911 calls just after 2 a.m. on Thursday.

Police described the incident as a brawl.