Medical Examiner Recommends Inquiry Into Deaths of Lionel Desmond and His Family

The province’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Matt Bowes, is recommending an inquiry into the deaths of Lionel Desmond and his family.

 Desmond shot and killed his wife, daughter and mother before turning the gun on himself on January 3rd.

He had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and post-concussion disorder after completing two tours in Afghanistan in 2007.

Family members say Desmond didn’t get the help he needed before the shootings in Upper Big Tracadie, Antigonish County.

Bowes says he hopes an inquiry will prevent future deaths in similar circumstances.

Provincial Justice Minister Mark Furey says the terms of reference and the appointment of a judge to oversee the inquiry will be announced in the New Year.

Bobby Nock

Bobby grew up in Whycocomagh before moving to Halifax to attend university where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Journalism degree. After university, Bobby moved back to Cape Breton where he began working as a freelance journalist and has done work for both print media and as a broadcast journalist. As the News Director, Bobby Nock will get your day started by bringing you information that helps connect you to the community with all the latest in local news.

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