N.S. community shocked by deaths of father, daughter; suspect was wanted in Toronto shooting

A Nova Scotia community is mourning the loss of two of its members after they were shot and killed in Halifax on New Year’s Eve.

A Nova Scotia community is mourning the loss of two of its members after they were shot and killed in Halifax on New Year’s Eve.

Rev. Jivaro Smith, the lead minister of the Saint Thomas Baptist Church in North Preston, N.S., says the community and family of Cora-Lee Smith and her father, Bradford Downey, are shocked and heartbroken by their deaths.

Smith says he grew up with Downey and knew Cora-Lee Smith since she was a child. He is remembering them both as loving, respectful people who had a zeal for life.

Smith says the victims’ family is struggling to cope but notes the community is grounded in their faith and trust in God.

The community of North Preston will be hosting a private gathering Monday evening at its local community centre, where grief and spiritual counselling will be available for members.

Smith and her father were found inside a vehicle in the 2400 block of Gottingen Street around 10:35 p.m. Tuesday.

Halifax Regional Police say they had been shot. Smith, 40, was already dead when officers arrived on scene. Downey, 73, was found unresponsive and was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries.