Karen Bailey, Belleisle Creek, N.B., was found lying on the kitchen floor of the bungalow she shared with her common-law partner on November 15, 2001. She had been shot at close range with a 20 gauge shotgun.

 

Just three weeks prior to her death, the couple had announced their engagement. However, in response to his drinking and abuse, Karen decided to break it off. She packed a suitcase and moved into a motel. It was not the first time she tried to leave the relationship. He called her and talked her into going home where he shot her and left the scene, calling 911 more than an hour later.

 

He was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 9 years in a Federal penitentiary.

 

Karen was a kind and generous person who had an instantaneous rapport with children. She was very athletic, with an interest in baseball. She enjoyed crafts, loved her job and shared a special closeness with her family.