Woman killed in Kings County community dreamed of nursing career
Paiyton Pick, 22, died Jan. 11; a man has been charged with second-degree murder in her death
The woman who was killed in a Kings County community earlier this month is being remembered as someone who loved to help others.
An obituary for Paiyton Pick of Centreville, N.S., who died Jan. 11, mentioned she had plans for a nursing career. It said she graduated from Northeast Kings Education Centre in 2020 with honours and distinction.
Pick was found dead in a home that was set on fire. Justin Joseph Benjamin, 28, was charged with second-degree murder in her death.
An online fundraiser for Pick mentioned that she "lost her life at the hands of someone she trusted, leaving her family and friends in unimaginable grief."
As of Monday afternoon, the fundraiser had garnered $8,925 of its $11,000 goal.
"She brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives with her kind heart, great sense of humour, beautiful smile, and her love for helping people," it reads.
"She was her mother's precious gift, her mammy's ray of Sunshine, her Auntie Dee's princess and Pea to Ashton. In her spare time depending on what season, it was you'd find her anywhere by the water. She loved singing, dancing and relaxing by a bonfire."
The obituary stated that people remember Pick for the "immense impact she had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her" and not the way her life ended.
A private visitation for Pick was held on Sunday. A celebration of life is planned for Feb. 14.
Benjamin had his first court appearance on Jan. 13. He remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court at the end of January.
Pick is the sixth woman in three months whose death is connected to her male partner in Nova Scotia.
- On Jan. 5, Elaine Mosher, 60, was killed by her partner at a home in Mahone Bay.
- On Dec. 31, Corelee (Alisha) Smith, 40, was killed alongside her father, Bradford (Coy) Downey, in Halifax by her partner.
- On Nov. 7, a 71-year-old Cole Harbour woman was killed by her husband in their home. Police have not released her name.
- On Nov. 1, Nicole Murphy, 49, was killed by her partner in their Yarmouth home.
- On Oct. 18, Brenda Tatlock-Burke, 59, was killed by her husband, a retired RCMP officer, in their Enfield home.
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:
- 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.