N.S. man charged with murder in latest case of intimate partner violence

A Bible Hill, N.S., man has been charged with first-degree murder in the 2023 death of a woman that RCMP now say is a case of intimate partner violence.

Richard Craig Barrett, 31, was charged Monday, according to an RCMP news release.

Police responded to a report of a sudden death on Sept. 17, 2023, in a home on Wild Chance Drive in Bible Hill. The victim was a 32-year-old woman from the community.

Her death was considered suspicious at the time. RCMP said Barrett was arrested that day, but later released without being charged.

Cpl. Sandy Matharu of the Northeast Nova Major Crime Unit said Wednesday that Barrett was a person of interest from the beginning, but an investigation like this takes time.

"Ultimately we're accountable to the public that we serve and we work diligently to ensure that we maintain integrity with all aspects of the investigation, so that investigative process cannot be rushed," Matharu said in an interview.

Mother of 2 remembered as 'beautiful, brilliant'

Court documents identified the victim as Maggie Lynn Cameron. An online fundraiser for Cameron's family launched after her death says she was a mother of two.

"Maggie's greatest accomplishment was being a mom to her two sweet girls," it reads. 

"Maggie will be terribly missed by everyone in her life, she was beautiful, brilliant and always the life of any party."  

In the news release, RCMP said they "appreciated the patience of the victim's loved ones as investigators conducted a thorough examination and evaluation of the evidence, enabling us to put together a comprehensive investigation that supports this murder charge."

Barrett remains in custody while the RCMP investigation continues. The case returns to court on April 2.

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.