Manslaughter charges laid in domestic homicide from last year

The Calgary Police Service has laid one charge of manslaughter in relation to a domestic homicide from early last year.

According to a release from CPS, police found a couple passed out on the floor of the Heritage CTrain Station at around 10 pm on February 7.

Both were taken to hospital where the man was pronounced deceased.

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An autopsy and investigation found that the man had likely died following a violent domestic incident, and he was identified as 29-year-old Benjamin Rain.

Police launched an investigation into the incident, and on May 19 CPS arrested and charged 29-year-old Mae Tallow, the woman found at the station last February and Rain’s girlfriend, with manslaughter.

“In complex cases like this one, it can take a while to gather the evidence needed to piece together what happened,” said Staff Sergeant Colin Chisholm with the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit in the release.

“Hopefully this can bring some closure to Mr. Rain’s family.”

The release also noted that men account for approximately one in five victims of domestic violence in Calgary.

The death is believed to be the eighth domestic homicide in Calgary in 2019.

CPS noted in the release that anyone experiencing domestic violence are encouraged to reach out, as the behaviour is likely to become worse over time.

“If someone is experiencing domestic abuse or violence, the best time to reach out for help is right now,” said Chisholm.

“We have strong supports in our city for both victims and abusers to help change the course of a relationship before things escalate further.”

Those looking for help can call 211, the Connect Family and Sexual Abuse Network at 1-877-237-5888 (for sexual abuse) or 403-234-7233 (for domestic abuse), or the Calgary Police Service through their non-emergency number of 403-266-1234 or 911 if in immediate danger.