The 2024 Nova Scotia Homicide Victim List is available here.

On the night of Tuesday, December 31, around 10:35 p.m., police responded to a report of an injured person in the 2400 block of Gottingen Street. Upon arrival, they found a vehicle with two individuals, a woman and a man, who had both suffered gunshot wounds. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and the man was rushed to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The victims were identified as 40-year-old Cora-Lee Smith and her 73-year-old father, Bradford Downey. The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner confirmed both deaths were homicides following autopsies.

Just hours later, on January 1, 2025, at around 1:30 a.m., police received a tip about a man connected to the victims who was believed to be in the Halifax Commons area. Officers located 39-year-old Matthew Costain, who was found dead from a gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

Matthew Costain, who was in a relationship with Cora-Lee Smith, is now the third individual connected to the case. Investigators believe the deaths are linked to intimate partner violence. Police have confirmed they are not currently seeking any additional suspects.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Halifax police at 902-490-5020.