RCMP say Cole Harbor deaths ‘incident of intimate partner violence’

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

Police were called to a home on Poplar Drive at 9 a.m. Monday to respond to deaths that RCMP are now treating as suspicious.

Police officers found the remains of a 72-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman from Cole Harbor in the home, according to an RCMP news release.

RCMP spokesman Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay told CBC News on Tuesday that the woman’s death was the result of a homicide and that “the man who died from self-inflicted wounds was responsible for her death.”

The deaths in Cole Harbor are likely the third resulting from intimate partner violence in the past few weeks. Last weekend, police announced they were investigating the incident. Sudden deaths of a man and woman who knew each other in Yarmouth, NS. RCMP say a man in Enfield, N.S. He killed his wife and then himself in October.

Halifax District RCMP said officers found the bodies of a 72-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman at a home on Poplar Drive in Cole Harbour. (Dave Laughlin/CBC)

“It’s certainly concerning that so many incidents of such a serious nature have happened so close within two weeks,” Tremblay said.

He said police are actively investigating all three incidents. He said there was no information indicating previous incidents of intimate partner violence at the Cole Harbor address.

“Intimate partner violence affects everyone at all ages and the important thing to remember is that we want the public to report incidents to the police, even if you are not the victim,” he said.

“If you know someone experiencing intimate partner violence, please contact the police or other Nova Scotia Health services or resources available victim services.”

In September, Nova Scotia has passed a bill declaring domestic violence an epidemic in the province. The bill was based on the recommendation of the commission of inquiry investigating the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting.

Support is available for anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence through crisis lines and local support services. If you are in immediate danger or fear for the safety of yourself or those around you, please call 911.
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