First Degree: From Med School to Murder The Story Behind the Shocking Will Sandeson Trial

by Kayla Hounsell

A murder, a missing body, and a sensational trial that shocked the community.

Will Sandeson seemed like a model son. A member of the Dalhousie University track and field team, he was about to start classes at Dalhousie's medical school. He had attended a medical school in the Caribbean; he worked at a group home for adults with disabilities. "There's times for whatever reason that things don't go quite as planned," a Halifax police officer told Sandeson shortly after he was arrested for the first-degree murder of Taylor Samson, who also, on the surface, seemed like a model son. Samson lived in a fraternity house near Dalhousie, and when the six-foot-five physics student disappeared without a trace, the focus eventually turned to Sandeson.

Sandeson's trial, with surprising testimony and the unanswered question of what happened to Samson's body, gripped the university city for months. Through interviews with friends and relatives, as well as transcripts of the trial and Sandeson's police interrogation, award-winning journalist Kayla Hounsell paints a complex portrait of both the victim and killer, two young men who seemed destined for bright futures. First Degree includes previously unpublished photos and details never made public until now.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Canada, Crime, Audiobook

280 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2018

About the author

Kayla Hounsell is an award-winning journalist who covered the murder trial of William Sandeson. She is now the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's National Reporter for the Maritime provinces. Based in Halifax, and originally from Newfoundland, she has also worked in Ottawa, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Rwanda, South Sudan, Liberia and the United Kingdom. First Degree: From Med School to Murder is her first book. A portion of the proceeds are being donated to a scholarship in memory of Taylor Samson, the young man who was killed during the horrific murder detailed in this book.

Reviews

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the new, expanded, and updated version 'Second Degree", published and available November 2024. I was aware of the case but didn't follow the details closely until 'First Degree' was published.The murder occurred in 21015, and the book "First Degree" chronicled the trial held in 2017, The book was written by award-winning CBC journalist Kayla Hounsell. 'Second Degree' is an expanded and updated account that includes the details of the second trial. The author meticulously researched the crime, making new additions to the earlier book. 'First Degree' was a bestselling true-crime story about a cold-blooded murder. The crime took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The author closely follows interviews, police investigation, witness statements and the court trial. The reporting is sensitive without sensationalizing the heart-breaking, apalling event.

Two intelligent young men were involved in a drug deal that ended with murder. Their promising future for both men was destroyed. Will Sanderson's ambition was to become a sports doctor. He was raised on his parent's farm near Truro, NS, and came from a respected family. He worked in a residence for disabled people. He studied medicine for a year in the Caribbean, was a Dalhousie track and field team member, and had just been accepted to start classes at the highly rated medical school. Taylor Sampson was from Amherst, NS,, close to the NB border. He was studying physics at Dalhousie and was into sports.. Both men were in their early 20s, and when Taylor disappeared, They should have enjoyed brilliant futures, but a dispute over drugs left Taylor Sampson dead, and his body has never been recovered. Will was charged with first-degree murder. He has been in prison since 2015, serving a life sentence. After appealing the charge, he was granted a new trial for second-degree murder, and the trial began in 2023. This charge comes with an automatic life sentence, but he could be eligible for possible parole in 2030.. Families and friends remain shattered by what happened.
Proceeds from the book will go to a scholarship fund for an Amherst student. Thanks to NetGalley and Nimbus Publishing for this well-written and shocking true-crime story. I urge you to look for 'Second Degree' by author Kayla Hounsell rather than the earlier version. The book is available now.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book documents the true story of the trial of a minor self-absorbed drug dealer who murdered a friend over money. The friend's body has never been found. The drug dealer is trying to date women from prison. The reader is given some insight into the Candian legal system. No one comes out looking good.

[Barbara Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one that I did not buy because of the cover, as I so often do. Instead I purchased this book because of wanting to learn more about what had happened concerning the murder of Taylor Samson, and the part Will Sanderson played in Taylor’s murder.
I wanted to learn more about how these two young men with such bright futures ended up in such a tragic situation, leaving one dead, the other serving a life prison sentence.
Admittedly, I had some reservations about purchasing this book, not wanting to be drawn in simply by morbid curiosity. But this book is well done, by Kayla Hounsell, a CBC reporter who’d covered the trial. It’s never too graphic or disrespectable in any way.
True stories of murder for me is about understanding what drives someone to commit such an act. How someone crosses that thou shall not kill line.
Kind of like peeking under the bed as a child, afraid of what might be hiding there.
It’s even more frightening thinking of if such darkness could lurk within someone close to us? Asking the question: do we ever really know someone?
Maybe part of reading about murder is that we hope we will never experience it personally.
To look at it from a safe distance. To be intrigued, shocked, trying to comprehend how these horrible, “bad” things happen to such ordinary people. Often to people whose lives seem to be going so well.
This is a story of how people’s lives can so quickly change, or end.
Mostly, I believe we want reassurance that something like this could never happen to us or someone we love. That’s the real terror in this story—the possibility that it could happen.
That killers are so often just regular, ordinary folk.
What strikes me also is that most of us, I believe, never give much thought to the bigger picture, the legacy our actions leaves behind. That ripple effect. Not only does this crime affect two young men, but their families, friends, acquaintances, those involved in working the case. Everyone who hears about it or reads this book.
And the ultimate horror of not having a body, not being granted such closure. Of the grief some people will forever suffer.
No mother wants their child to grow up and be murdered and no mother wants their child to be the one who becomes a murderer. There are no winners in this story.
In a much lighter tone, I did learn a new legal term from reading this book: a Voir Dire, a "trial within a trial".
And at least by purchasing this book a portion of royalties is being donated to the Taylor Samson Memorial Scholarship awarded to a student of Amherst High School, so I can feel that at least by buying and reading this book, I have contributed by adding just a little bit of good back into the universe.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was still in med school at Dalhousie when Taylor Samson was initially reported missing, and then believed to be dead, and Will Sandeson was charged with his murder.

I am not someone who really ever reads true crime, but after a friend recommended this book, I decided to check it out in order to learn more about this case that happened so close to home and really shook our Halifax community. I thought the author was very thorough and skilled in showing the court proceedings, and presenting the findings of interviews and police investigations, without glorifying the crimes in any way, and while recognizing the many victims here: Taylor and his loved ones, as well as the family of Will Sandeson, whose lives were all changed as a result of this murder.

My heart breaks for Taylor’s mother, who has worked tirelessly for years to try to uncover where her son is, and I hope she will one day have an answer.

[Jim Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello kayla...just to let you know I am not a book reader but a local Hfx fan that appreciated your hard work at this and as a reporter with ATV and CBC. It is my 5th book I have read, last one was 30 years ago....I am 65
I was interested in this case as well as Catherine Campbell trial...two local unnecessary crimes.
I must say it was a read that I could not put down and pause..it was a must keep going story.
I commend you on your sacrifice and time. Well done young lady as I enjoyed this immensely.
You have done yourself proud. I will wait for your next one as I will then read my 6th book...and yes you will have a next one.
All the best Kayla..again...well done ..be safe

Jim Newman

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who was a Dalhousie student during this time and lived a block away from where the murder took place, I am very appreciative of this in depth account of the trial.

After listening to The Nighttime Podcast with Kayla Hounsell I immediately began listening to her audiobook.

This is a well done, deep dive into the murder of Taylor Samson and following trial of Will Sandeson. It may not be for everyone but if you are at all interested in the case I highly recommend checking this out (and Kayla Hounsell narrates this herself so that is a treat)

[Kalei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never even heard of this case in a city just on hour from me before borrowing this book from my father. It’s hard to believe that something like this happened so close to home, and that there is so much drug trafficking happening with such young intelligent people. The author did an amazing job at putting the story together, bringing forth all of the facts and making the whole story easy to follow along. Thank you to the author for writing this!

[Nicola Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be sure to get under a cozy blanket for this book, because, not only is it chilling, but you’ll read long into the night. Kayla Hounsell distills the various perspectives in this true crime story into a cohesive and fascinating read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the author narrated audiobook; a chilling account of this real life crime. One whose final chapter remains unknown. Sanderson is awaiting his second trial on the charge of second degree murder in this case. My heart aches for the family and friends of Taylor Samson and all who were closely involved in this unbelievably shocking crime.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down.
As someone who goes to the university next door (Saint Mary’s University) and who also works for Regional Residential Services Society, it was something that I had to read.
I was able to meet and talk with the the author, Kayla Hounsell, at Dartmouth Book Exchange (check out their FB page for an interview with Kayla).
Just leaves you wondering what really happened...
I hope someday all questions are answered.

[Jim Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great compilation of all the facts, testimonies and court proceedings. Fans of true crime will love the court coverage.

[Derrick Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breezed thru this book in a day and a half. Great read from first time Author who I hope will produce more. Interesting reading on local happenings.
Book layed out case in good order. Hopefully someday there will be full closure for family.

[Marilyn Davidson Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating read. Kayla has taken this shocking university murder trial and threaded the various components together for an easy but gut wrenching read. Definitely recommend.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't going to read this at first, but I am glad I did. The author did a good job of just stating facts and telling an unbiased narrative. There are definitely still alot of questions to be answered, but I think this provided alot more details and background than what you would find just in news excerpts.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true page turner. Hounsell tells the story of the trial and investigation in a riveting account of a murder that shocked the entire province. Thank you Hounsell for your dedication to investigative journalism!

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla Hounsell first came to my attention when I watched her on a local news television station as a reporter and news anchor. I have always thought Ms. Hounsell's reports and interviews were clear and concise. Ms. Hounsell's first book was the same. It was very well written, which made it easy to read. It explained details of the case and trial superbly. I will admit that I initially did not want to read the book, but I am glad I did. It is the first true crime book that I have read! I look forward to finding out more about Ms. Hounsell's second book... and reading it!

[Kathy Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down, very interesting read. Really makes you stop and think here were two educated young men starting medical school who had everything going for them, the saying Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover certainly rings true. Have recommended this book to many friends and strangers (in the checkout at the grocery store).

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This true story is described in detail by former CBC reporter Kayla Hounsell. She does a very good job in this portrayal of an unlikely homicide that occurred here in Halifax in 2015. It is a book that is difficult to put down once you've begun to read it. It is true, yet somehow you do not want to believe this truth until there is no longer any choice. I was surprised by Ms. Hounsell's talent!

[Delphis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If real life crime stories is what you are interested in, then this a must read. Kayla's writing brings you right into the courtroom as if you had been there. She also incorporates the human side into the book where you see the subjects as more than just victim and accused. A gripping story that makes it hard to put the book down.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title kinda says it all. True crime that ripped through Nova Scotia in 2015 with a sensational trial two years later. This first time author does a good job putting this macabre story into a very easy-to-read, comprehensive book.

[JH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a hard time putting the book down. Packed with detail. I was both shocked and fascinated as I read page after page. Interestingly as I finished reading, it was announced N.S. Appeal Court ordered a new trial for William Sandeson. There is more of this story to be told and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written.

[Sheila Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down. I LOVE true crime and I was shocked to learn this was the author’s first book. Highly recommend. I hope Kayla will write more true crime.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that lays the case out for you in all the details. I quite enjoy it and was able to read it quite quickly. If you're into true crime books I think you'll like this one.

[Brent Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went in thinking I wouldn’t love this book. Boy was I wrong. Kayla doesn’t miss anything in this book. Walks you through every single step of the investigation and trial.

Extremely pleased and would highly recommend this book to anybody.

[Sandy Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read. I followed the trial and this book filled in some gaps and answered questions I had. Well done for this author.

[Chloe Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This came to the front of TBR mountain at the perfect time, while Sandeson is presently in the middle of his retrial. An excellent read, I flew through it. It was a very factual straight forward read, and really fascinating to read as such a significant local crime case. An excellent resource for anyone curious. I look forward to finally diving into the details on the new case now.

[Rodney Etheridge]

Just finished reading Kayla's book First Degree, and I loved it. Right from page 1! I love how she cut through the legal wranglings and made sense of a two-month complicated murder trial, bringing us right to the heart of the story, which is basically about how things can go so wrong and how so many people can be hurt with just one bad decision. I can't imagine how much research it took to cut through all the twists and turns of the case to present the emotional stories of families torn apart by drugs and crime. Way to go! Can't wait to read her next book!

[Raya P Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eager to read up anything on the history of Halifax after recently moving here, I got recommended this book. And it didn't disappoint. This case is not only shocking in its own right, but also has many twists and turns as the trial progresses. I love that the author stuck to relaying facts and witness statements without inserting her own feelings and opinions into the proceedings. When the subject matter is this delicate, it's hard not to, and she navigated this trial like an absolute pro.
The book is very easy to read and hard to put down. Highly recommend!

[Donna Alward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, as the trial was a big deal here and this brought everything together. I've always liked Kayla as a reporter and she did a great job with this. #readlocal #halifax #firstdegree