A man aged 28 faces charges of killing his partner after a woman was discovered dead in a house in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley set ablaze, as per law enforcement. Justin Joseph Benjamin is accused of second-degree murder and arson endangering life following the discovery of the 22-year-old woman’s body in Centreville, N.S., over the weekend. He made a brief appearance in provincial court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody pending a late January court date.
According to a police statement, emergency services responded to a fire at the residence around 3 a.m. on Saturday, with the home fully engulfed in flames. Six individuals managed to escape unharmed. The suspect was apprehended on Highway 8 near Lequille, N.S., around noon and subsequently charged the following day while in custody.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, is reported to have succumbed to intimate partner violence. The incident has shocked the community, with David Corkum, Kings County’s mayor, describing it as tragic. Corkum emphasized the close-knit nature of Centreville and its residents, noting the impact the event has had on the local population.
Xylia Fraser, the manager of Chrysalis House, a transitional shelter in Kentville, N.S., expressed concern over the escalating severity of intimate partner violence in Kings, Annapolis, and Hants counties since 2020. Fraser highlighted the unique challenges faced in rural areas in combating such violence, including isolation, limited resources, and community dynamics.
The tragic incident in Nova Scotia adds to a series of similar cases in recent months, with several women falling victim to domestic violence within the province. Advocates continue to stress the importance of addressing the root causes of intimate partner violence and providing support to those in need.
For individuals impacted by family or intimate partner violence, crisis lines and local support services are available for assistance. In case of immediate danger, calling 911 is recommended. Additional resources and helplines are provided for those seeking support and guidance.