Nova Scotia

Halifax man charged with second-degree murder says he acted in self-defence

Damien Lamoureux, 21, was found seriously injured at the intersection of Barrington and Morris streets in Halifax and later died in hospital.

Damien Lamoureux, 21, died in hospital

Damien Lamoureux, 21, was originally from Ottawa, but moved to Nova Scotia three years ago. (Submitted by Bailey Lamoureux)

Update, Dec. 13, 2021: The charge of second-degree murder against Mitchell Coles was withdrawn on July 29, 2021 in Halifax provincial court. Coles said he acted in self-defence, and the Crown determined there was no realistic prospect of conviction.


Mitchell William Coles, 26, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Damien Lamoureux, who was killed in downtown Halifax last Friday.

Coles made a brief court appearance Tuesday morning via video link from the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility where he is being held on remand.

He said he acted in self-defence, and has been given two weeks to find a lawyer before his next court appearance on June 9.

Police were called to the intersection of Barrington and Morris streets in Halifax last Friday night where Lamoureux, 21, was found seriously injured.

Investigators determined he had been stabbed. He was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries.

Lamoureux was originally from Ottawa, but moved to Nova Scotia three years ago.

With files from Paul Palmeter