Cole Harbour deaths an 'incident of intimate partner violence,' RCMP say

Halifax District RCMP say two sudden deaths they began investigating on Monday in Cole Harbour are the result of an incident of intimate partner violence.

Police were called to a home on Poplar Drive at 9 a.m. on Monday to respond to the deaths, which RCMP now consider suspicious.

Inside the home, officers found the remains of a 72-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman who were both from Cole Harbour, said an RCMP news release.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay told CBC News on Tuesday the woman's death was the result of a homicide and "the man who has died of self-inflicted wounds is responsible for the woman's death."

The deaths in Cole Harbour mark the third case of fatal intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia in recent weeks.

This week, police announced the deaths of a 49-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man in Yarmouth were a result of intimate partner violence. Police said the man, who died as a result of self-inflicted wounds, was responsible for the woman's death. Last month, in a separate case, RCMP said a man in Enfield killed his wife before taking his own life.

"It's certainly concerning to see so many incidents of this serious nature close together like that over the span of two weeks," Tremblay said.

He said police are still actively investigating all three incidents. He said there's no information indicating previous intimate partner violence incidents at the Cole Harbour address.

"Intimate partner violence affects anyone and everyone from all ages and what's important to remember is that we want the public to report incidents to police, even if it's not you yourself who is the victim," he said.

"If you know someone that is the victim of intimate partner violence, please contact police or other Nova Scotia Health services or resources, victim services that are out there."

In September, Nova Scotia adopted a bill declaring domestic violence an epidemic in the province. The bill was tied to a recommendation from the commission of inquiry that investigated the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting.

For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services. ​​If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
• This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.