Death of 18-year-old woman in Dartmouth ruled a homicide

Halifax Regional Police have ruled a suspicious death of an 18-year-old woman in Dartmouth a homicide.

The victim has been identified as Chelsie Probert of Halifax.

Officers were called to a path between Albro Lake Road and Farrell Street at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving a report of a woman in medical distress.

Police said they found an 18-year-old woman from Halifax who required immediate medical assistance. Paramedics treated her and took her to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Autopsy to determine cause of death

An autopsy was scheduled to take place Wednesday to determine the cause of the woman's death.

On Wednesday morning, police placed several numbered markers along the edge of the pathway. The police forensic identification team is collecting evidence at the scene. 

This isn't the first time police have been called to that path. In February, a man was stabbed on the path but was treated for his injuries in hospital. At the time, police said they were investigating what appeared to be a random act. 

Greg MacDonald, a baker, was heading to work around 10 p.m. for his night shift when he came across the scene.

"There was a gentleman in the pathway hollering to get my attention," MacDonald said. "He had found a woman unconscious out in the grass down a ways. He was saying there wasn't much life in her."

The man was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, and paramedics showed up shortly afterwards, MacDonald said.

"Obviously, it's surprising always to find someone near death in your backyard practically," he said. "A little unsettling, but awful things do happen occasionally."

Police ask that anyone with information about the homicide call them at 902-490-5020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.