N.S. man charged with 2nd-degree murder in latest intimate partner violence case

Intimate partner violence is a tragic reality that continues to plague communities across Nova Scotia. The recent case in Mill Village, N.S., where a 60-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of an 84-year-old man, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence.

According to an RCMP news release, officers responded to a call at a home on Highway 3 in Mill Village in the early hours of March 28. They discovered the victim suffering from life-threatening stab wounds and learned that the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle. The victim was rushed to the hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries two weeks later. The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service ruled his death as a homicide, attributing it to intimate partner violence.

The suspect, Derek Dominix, was apprehended at a residence in Voglers Cove and initially charged with attempt to commit murder. However, following the victim’s passing, the charge was upgraded to second-degree murder. Dominix remains in custody and is set to appear in Bridgewater provincial court on May 15.

This incident is just one of several tragic cases of intimate partner violence that have rocked Nova Scotia in recent months. Politicians in the provincial legislature declared intimate partner violence an epidemic in September 2024. Since then, seven women have lost their lives at the hands of their male partners in the province.

These victims include Patricia Tanner, Paiyton Pick, Elaine Mosher, Corelee (Alisha) Smith, an unnamed 71-year-old woman from Cole Harbour, Nicole Murphy, and Brenda Tatlock-Burke. Each of these women’s lives was cut short due to the senseless violence perpetrated by those who were supposed to love and protect them.

It is crucial for individuals who are experiencing family or intimate partner violence to know that support is available. Crisis lines and local support services can provide assistance to those in need. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, it is important to call 911 for help.

The prevalence of intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia is a heartbreaking reality that must be addressed with urgency and compassion. By raising awareness, providing support to survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can work towards creating a safer and more equitable society for all.