Leah May MacQueen, 45, Sydney NS
Leah MacQueen, age 45, was gunned down in her own driveway by her ex-boyfriend who then attempted suicide.
At time of her death, Leah had a son enrolled in university and an eight-year-old daughter.
Leah graduated from the Nova Scotia Teacher’s College in 1970 and went on to teach school at Eastmount, Whitney. Just before Leah’s murder, she taught at Jamieson Elementary School.
Leah was instrumental in setting up and maintaining the school library. Leah was actively involved in all school activities, including coaching the cheerleading team.
In addition to her dedication to her students, Leah was an active member of the social committee of the local Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union.
Several months before the December 4, 1995 murder, Leah’s ex-boyfriend attempted suicide over the break-up of his 30-year marriage, with contributing factors such as heavy legal bills and alimony payments.
In October 1995 Leah’s ex-boyfriend admitted himself to hospital because of his desire to kill his estranged wife. Two weeks later, he again tried to kill himself.
In early December 1995, Leah told her boyfriend she wanted out of the relationship.
Two days later, on December 4th, Leah’s ex-boyfriend waited outside her school, watching her enter the building. Following this, he then staked out Leah’s home, waiting for her until she arrived for lunch. Her ex-boyfriend later told police that he showed up to say good-bye, with the plan to kill himself.
As Leah was fleeing, the ex-boyfriend fired his 12-guage shotgun. The fatal bullet went through her arm and into her left chest cavity piercing her heart. Leah died immediately.
The ex-boyfriend then turned the gun on himself, hitting his left side.
Leah’s ex-boyfriend was charged with first degree murder. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
He was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 12 years.