Families share impacts of tragedy
February 24 2021 PORT HAWKESBURY – Cassandra Desmond, Lionel Desmond’s sister, wrapped up her testimony at the Desmond Fatality Inquiry last Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 16, when she spoke about the day Lionel killed their mother, Brenda; his wife, Shanna and their 10-year-old daughter, Aaliyah, at a home in Upper Big Tracadie. She recalled preparing supper at her home in Antigonish late afternoon on Jan. 3, 2017, and her twin sister, Chantel, dropping in around 5:15 p.m., on her way home to Lincolnville from New Glasgow. Cassandra said their niece Aaliyah had called Chantel around 4:30 p.m....