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Four of Halifax’s most recent homicides have been added to the Major Unsolved Crimes rewards list in what the province is calling a “highly unusual step.”

The justice department hopes that $600,000 in incentives will encourage anyone with information on the killings of four young men to come forward.

Joseph Cameron was shot and killed on March 29 in Dartmouth.

Tyler Richards was found shot to death in a west end Halifax home on April 17.

Naricho Clayton was killed in a shooting on Gottingen Street on April 19.

Daverico Downey was shot to death in North Preston on April 23.

Police continue to investigate whether the last three homicides are connected in any way.

“We just felt that it’s very important to take action now, so it is just another opportunity to speak to the public about it to ask for their assistance,” Justice Minister Diana Whalen told reporters at Province House Tuesday afternoon. Tweet This

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Up to $150,000, which comes from the provincial budget, could be awarded for information on each of the four homicides.

Supt. Jim Perrin, officer-in-charge with the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, said adding the homicides to the list is “highly unusual,” but says this is an equally unusual time for the community.

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“No, it’s not a last resort at all,” he told reporters at Halifax Regional Police headquarters. “This is about breaking the code of silence. I’ve said this before: if somebody takes the brave step to step forward and be a witness in one of these crimes, we’ll stand with them.”

This is a plea that was also made last week by a relative of the three most recent homicides.

Perrin added that the program has led to a success before.

Police believe there are people in the community who have information about all four of these homicides, and are encouraging them to come forward to Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes by calling 1-888-710-9090.

Anyone who brings forward information is required to provide their name and contact information and calls will be recorded. They may also be asked to testify in court.

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With files from Steve Silva.