The Dartmouth community is reeling from the devastating loss of Tyson Shandell Cain, a 52-year-old father of six, who was fatally shot in broad daylight on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The tragedy unfolded near the bustling intersection of Highfield Park Drive and True North Crescent, a residential area where such violence is rare. Cain, described by his stepfather as a devoted family man with dreams of becoming a chef, was found inside a vehicle, riddled with gunshot wounds. Despite the desperate efforts of Halifax Regional Police officers to save him through CPR, Cain was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a grieving family and a shaken community.
The Halifax Regional Police issued a statement on Saturday, confirming Cain’s identity and classifying his death as a homicide, as determined by the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service. The shooting occurred around noon, when officers responded to reports of gunfire in the area. The discovery of Cain, critically injured, sparked an immediate and robust police response, with a significant presence at the scene as investigators combed the area for evidence. Dozens of residents from nearby apartment buildings gathered, watching in shock as the reality of the violence sank in.
According to authorities, the shooting does not appear to have been a random act. While specific details about the motive or potential suspects remain undisclosed, police have emphasized that the investigation is active and ongoing. They are urging anyone with information—particularly those with video footage from the morning of the incident—to contact them at 902-490-5020. This appeal underscores the critical role the public may play in helping to piece together the circumstances that led to Cain’s death and in bringing those responsible to justice.
Tyson Shandell Cain was more than a name in a news release; he was a beloved figure in his family’s life. His stepfather, Wayne Johnston, spoke of Cain’s deep connection to his five daughters and one son, all of whom are now left to navigate a future without their father. Johnston, visibly shaken, shared that Cain was on a path to fulfill his passion for cooking, a dream that highlighted his ambition and dedication. The loss is particularly acute for Cain’s young children, who will grow up without the guidance and love of a father who “had it all,” as Johnston poignantly noted.
The incident has sent ripples of grief and concern through Dartmouth, a community unaccustomed to such brazen violence. Highfield Park, a residential neighborhood, is typically a place of routine daily life—families walking to nearby parks, children playing, and neighbors going about their day. The shooting has disrupted that sense of normalcy, prompting residents to reflect on safety and the broader implications of gun violence in their community. Local leaders and community members have expressed solidarity with Cain’s family, calling for unity and support in the wake of this tragedy.
As the investigation progresses, Halifax Regional Police remain committed to uncovering the truth behind Cain’s death. They have assured the public that updates will be provided as new information emerges, maintaining transparency while protecting the integrity of the case. For now, the focus is twofold: seeking justice for Tyson Shandell Cain and offering support to a family and community grappling with an irreplaceable loss. The memory of Cain, a man who aspired to create and nurture through his culinary ambitions, will endure in the hearts of those who knew him, even as the quest for answers continues.