One of the men charged with murdering a Cape Breton man will also stand trial on sex charges involving an underage girl.Article contentOne of the men charged with murdering a Cape Breton man will also stand trial on sex charges involving an underage girl.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentRyan Joseph Pyke plead not guilty last week to sexual assault and touching a person under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose.Article contentArticle contentThe offences allegedly took place between July 15, 2023, and July 20, 2023, in Sydney.Article contentHe is next expected to appear in Sydney provincial court for a status report on Jan. 28 and a trial is scheduled to take place Sept. 14-15, 2026.Article contentArticle contentMURDER TRIALArticle contentPyke was in custody awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder and robbery involving the death of Justin MacDonald, 34, of North Sydney, when the two sex charges were laid.Article contentMacDonald was last seen July 7, 2024, at a North Sydney gas station. His father, Ken MacDonald, found his remains May 8, 2025, in the woods near Morley Road.Article contentDuring a three-week period in December 2024, Cape Breton Regional Police arrested Pyke and two other men in connection with MacDonald’s death.Article contentMitchell George McPhee, 39, was arrested Dec. 12 and charged with manslaughter, robbery and assault. Pyke was arrested Dec. 20 and charged with second-degree murder and robbery, and Aaron Curtis Mickey, 46, was arrested Dec. 31 and charged with second-degree murder, robbery and four firearms offences.Article contentPyke’s trial by judge and jury is scheduled to begin Feb. 10, 2027, in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Sydney.Article contentMcPhee and Mickey are also expected to stand trial in 2027 but no dates have been set.Article content
Cape Breton man charged with murder to stand trial on sex charges involving underage girl
