Marie Desmond, 50, Halifax NS
Marie Desmond was 50 years old when she was murdered by her husband.
Marie left behind two adult children. She was was remembered as a sweet lady who was very keen on volunteering her time and energy in the community.
According to neighbors, Marie and her husband had been married for 21 years. Marie had told several people about cigarette burns and stab marks across her chest.
In 1994, Marie’s husband was charged with uttering threats to cause bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to the charge and received a three-year suspended sentence. The court also ordered he seek assessment and treatment for anger management.
One year later, police returned to their home, charging Marie’s husband with assault. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 10 days in jail. There was no order for anger management or any other type of counselling.
Four months before her death, Marie separated from her husband. She was very fearful of him and barricaded the doors of her apartment nightly.
On the morning of December 4, 1997, Marie’s boyfriend, who often stayed at Marie’s home, went to work. At 2 p.m., when he normally would hear from Marie, there was no call. He proceeded to call Marie throughout the afternoon with no answer.
Upon returning home he found Marie face down in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor. She had been stabbed 30 times, mostly around the neck area. The fatal wound was a cut to the neck which severed an artery causing massive bleeding.
The Accused was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.
A later appeal was dismissed by the court.