Kingston woman's death declared a femicide

CBC

20-05-2025

Police in Kingston, Ont., have declared the death of a 25-year-old woman a femicide — the first time the force has used the term to describe an alleged murder.
Officers were called to the victim's west-end home on Berrywood Crescent at around 2:45 p.m. Friday after getting reports a man had barricaded himself inside, police said in a Saturday evening media release.
After police got into the home, they found a 25-year-old woman suffering from numerous injuries. She was taken to a local hospital where she died, police said.
Hadden Harper-Brewer, 26, was arrested at the scene and faces one count of first-degree murder.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Kingston Police Chief Scott Fraser described the attack as a "senseless loss of life," adding detectives will work tirelessly to investigate the crime.
"Their job to bring the accused to justice," the chief said. "At this time though, our thoughts really turned to the family and friends and community members who, unfortunately, are part of this tragic event."
Police did not take questions from the reporters Tuesday, nor provide updates on the investigation beyond saying more charges may be laid based on incidents that pre-dated the alleged murder. They're also asking anyone with information about Harper-Brewer's movements on Friday to contact detectives.
Police previously told CBC he was not living with the victim at the Berrywood Crescent home before her death.
A bouquet of white flowers could be seen on the front windowsill of the house Tuesday.
'It is systemic. It is preventable'
Members of the Kingston Frontenac Anti-Violence Coordinating Committee (KFACC) including Kirsi Hunnakko also took part in Tuesday's news conference.
"It is with great sadness and outrage that KFACC receives the news of this femicide," she said, explaining the term refers to the killing of women and girls because of their gender.
"It is not rare. It is systemic. It is preventable."
Fraser also issued this plea to the community: "If you know somebody who may be in a domestic violence situation, you know somebody who is out there that needs help, there's lots of resources available. They don't have to be alone. You don't have to be alone."
KFACC and police urged anyone in immediate danger to call 911. They also shared information about the following organizations for those experiencing violence or seeking support: