2 deaths in house fire outside Halifax being investigated as homicides

HALIFAX – RCMP say the deaths of two people found in a house fire outside Halifax on Wednesday were homicides.

The bodies of an 81-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman were found by emergency responders who arrived at the fire at 5336 Old Guysborough Road.

A third person’s body was also discovered, and police are still investigating the cause of death.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at 12:45 a.m. Thursday in connection with the case after he rammed his car into two police vehicles in the Milford area. He is in custody, but has not yet been charged.

Fire officials were called to a fire at 4:35 p.m. Wednesday. Halifax Fire deputy chief Roy Hollett said the fire was “challenging” as the construction of the house contributed to how quickly it spread.

Records indicate the 50-acre property is owned by Clifford and Ida Raye Ward, and was purchased in June 1976.

Investigators with the integrated Halifax Regional Police and RCMP Integrated Major Crime unit are still investigating.