N.S. man charged with 2nd-degree murder in latest intimate partner violence case
Derek Dominix allegedly stabbed his partner, an 84-year-old man
A 60-year-old man from Mill Village, N.S., has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of another man in what police say is the province's latest case of intimate partner violence.
An RCMP news release said officers were called to a home on Highway 3 in Mill Village around 3:30 a.m. AT on March 28.
They say investigators found a man suffering from life-threatening stab wounds, and learned another man had left the scene in a vehicle.
The victim, a 84-year-old man, was taken to hospital.
Officers arrested a suspect at a home in nearby Voglers Cove around 7:45 a.m. Derek Dominix was charged with attempt to commit murder and remanded into custody.
Two weeks later, the victim died of his injuries. The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service ruled the death a homicide and said it was the result of intimate partner violence.
On Tuesday, police upgraded the charge against Dominix to second-degree murder. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear Bridgewater provincial court on May 15.
Epidemic of intimate partner violence
In September 2024, politicians in the provincial legislature declared intimate partner violence an epidemic in Nova Scotia.
Since then, there have been seven women killed in Nova Scotia whose deaths are connected to their male partners:
- On March 2, Patricia Tanner, 83, was found dead in a Bridgewater home. Her husband has been charged with first-degree murder.
- On Jan. 11, Paiyton Pick, 22, was found dead in a Centreville home. Her boyfriend has been charged with second-degree murder and arson with disregard to human life.
- 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:
- 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.