‘Tight-knit’ community rallying together after father, daughter shot dead in Halifax

The community of North Preston, N.S. is in mourning following the tragic deaths of a father and daughter in a heartbreaking case of intimate partner violence. Rev. Jivaro Smith of Saint Thomas Baptist Church, who knew both victims personally, expressed the deep sense of loss felt by the close-knit community.

Describing North Preston as more than just a community but a family, Rev. Smith emphasized the unity and support that the residents provide to one another in times of both joy and sorrow. The victims, 40-year-old Cora-Lee Smith and her father, 73-year-old Bradford Downey, were found fatally shot on New Year’s Eve. Cora-Lee was discovered dead inside a vehicle, while her father was found wounded and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Tragically, Cora-Lee’s boyfriend, 39-year-old Matthew Costain, was also found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound nearby.

In response to the devastating events, local organizations and volunteers from 902 Man Up are coming together to offer trauma support to the community. Grief counselors and support workers will be available to help family members and the wider community cope with the tragedy. Rev. Smith emphasized the importance of turning to faith in times of hardship, highlighting the presence of God in the midst of the storm.

Remembering the victims, Rev. Smith spoke fondly of Bradford Downey as a kind-hearted individual who was always willing to help others. He described Cora-Lee as a vibrant and compassionate person, both inside and out. The incident marks the fourth instance of women being killed by their partners in Nova Scotia in recent months, prompting politicians to declare intimate partner violence as an epidemic in the province.

The investigation into the homicides is ongoing, with police confirming that they are not seeking any other suspects. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, support services are available for those affected by family or intimate partner violence. Immediate assistance can be obtained by calling 911 in case of emergency.

The heartbreaking events in North Preston serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and prevent intimate partner violence in our communities. The resilience and unity of the residents in coming together to support one another during this challenging time exemplify the strength and compassion that define the spirit of North Preston.