Charges Withdrawn in 1988 P.E.I. Murder of Byron Carr After Police Lose Crucial Evidence
Crown attorneys have withdrawn all charges against Todd Joseph Irving for the 1988 first-degree murder of P.E.I. teacher Byron Carr after Charlottetown police revealed that key physical evidence, including a knife and towel, could not be located.
Crown attorneys have withdrawn all charges against Todd Joseph Irving, also known as Todd Joseph Gallant, in connection with the 1988 first-degree murder of Prince Edward Island teacher Byron Carr. The prosecution collapsed after Charlottetown police informed the Crown in August 2026 that a substantial portion of the physical evidence related to the case could not be located.
Among the missing items were a knife and the towel used to strangle Carr, who was found dead in his home in November 1988 at the age of 36. Carr had suffered multiple stab wounds. A note written on the wall at the crime scene read "I WILL KILL AGAIN," suggesting the murder may have been hate-motivated. Former Charlottetown police chief Brad MacConnell indicated that evidence suggested Carr was killed following a sexual encounter with another man, during a time when the LGBTQ+ community did not feel welcome.
The cold case was reopened using genetic genealogy technology, which led to the arrest of the 59-year-old Irving in early 2024, 35 years after the murder. DNA analysis linked Irving to several items: his DNA was found on Carr's body, a pair of underwear left at the scene, and an extinguished cigarette butt placed in Carr's navel. However, Irving's DNA was not found on the missing towel or on a sock left at the crime scene, which police believed was used as a glove to prevent leaving fingerprints.
John Carr, the victim's brother, stated that while the outcome is disappointing, the family feels they have the answers they needed regarding who committed the crime. The withdrawal of charges prevents a trial from taking place, highlighting issues with long-term evidence preservation in cold cases. Police acknowledged the need to improve internal evidence management processes.