Elderly N.S. man charged with first-degree murder after wife found dead
Police were called to a home in Bridgewater on Sunday
Police in Bridgewater, N.S., say they are investigating what they believe is a case of intimate partner violence that has resulted in the death of a woman. Her husband has been charged with murder.
According to a news release issued Monday, police were called to a home on Haven Drive for a report of a woman in medical distress.
The elderly woman appeared to have been assaulted with a weapon, police say. Paramedics assessed her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a news conference on Monday, the Bridgewater Police Service wouldn't say what the weapon was. They also did not describe her injuries.
Police found an elderly man in another room in the residence with what were described as "related injuries." Police say some of the man's injuries were self-inflicted.
Andrew Dawson Tanner, 85, has been charged with first-degree murder. He appeared in provincial court Monday from hospital.
He will remain in custody until an in-person court appearance next month.
Court documents identified the victim as 83-year-old Patricia Tanner. She and Andrew Tanner were married.
Andrew Tanner was represented by legal aid lawyer Robert Chipman during a brief appearance before Judge Paul Scovil on Monday morning. Tanner did not speak.
Chipman said his client was alert and aware but is expected to remain in hospital for a few more days for observation.
Police say there had been no prior cases of intimate partner violence involving the couple.
Danny MacPhee, the deputy chief of Bridgewater police, told reporters on Monday afternoon the homicide is the first in the community since the death of Karissa Boudreau in January 2008.
MacPhee said intimate partner violence exists in Bridgewater like it does in all communities and police respond to it regularly.
"We're going to disturbances or assaults or threats weekly, if not daily," MacPhee said.
Politicians have declared intimate partner violence an epidemic in Nova Scotia. In a period of just three months, six women in Nova Scotia were killed by their male partners.
"There's so many factors on why these happen, but people have to be able to feel very safe to come up, tell loved ones, if they see behaviour in families or friends or co-workers that is unacceptable — that's the grassroot part that has to really step forward," MacPhee said.
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:
- Nova Scotians can call 211 to connect with community resources.
- A list of transition houses across Nova Scotia.
- Family violence resources helpline 1-855-225-0220.
- The Transition Housing Association of Nova Scotia website.
- 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.
With files from Blair Rhodes