A Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge on Tuesday ordered that a laptop holding a Bitcoin wallet be handed back to the family of convicted murderer William Sandeson. Justice John Bodurtha concluded that prosecutors had failed to demonstrate any link between the cryptocurrency and the 2015 killing of Dalhousie University student Taylor Samson, according to Decrypt.

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Court Reasoning and Findings

Justice Bodurtha said the Crown “has not met its burden to demonstrate the cryptocurrency was used as part of the drug transaction, proceeds of crime, or otherwise tainted by criminality.” The judge characterized any alleged connection as “hypothetical,” and therefore the seized digital asset could not be treated as crime‑related property. However, about $3,600 (C$5,000) in cash found at Sandeson’s apartment was ruled offence‑related and will remain confiscated.

Value Dispute Over the Wallet

The exact amount of Bitcoin in the wallet has not been disclosed. Sandeson has claimed the holdings are worth roughly $5,800‑$7,200 (C$8,000‑C$10,000). In contrast, lawyers for Samson’s family, who are pursuing a wrongful‑death lawsuit, argue the cryptocurrency could now be valued at more than $144,000 (C$200,000). The wide valuation gap reflects the volatile nature of crypto assets and the lack of a public blockchain trace linking the wallet to the murder.

Background of the Case

In August 2015, Sandeson, then a 23‑year‑old Dalhousie medical student, arranged a drug deal with 22‑year‑old Taylor Samson. Prosecutors allege Sandeson intended to sell cannabis for C$40,000, shot Samson, kept the drugs and cash, and disposed of the body in a river feeding the Bay of Fundy. Sandeson was convicted of first‑degree murder in 2017, a verdict later overturned, and was reconvicted of second‑degree murder in 2023. He is serving a life sentence in Quebec with parole eligibility in 2030.

What to Watch Next

Future developments may include the outcome of the wrongful‑death lawsuit, which could determine whether any portion of the Bitcoin is awarded to Samson’s family. Additionally, the case highlights ongoing legal questions about the treatment of seized crypto assets in criminal proceedings across Canada and may influence how law enforcement handles digital wallets in future investigations.