The fourth day of testimony at the Desmond Fatality Inquiry in Port Hawkesbury wrapped up early Friday.
Written statements from Thelma and Ricky Borden, Shana Desmond’s parents, were read into the record by their lawyer, Tom MacDonald, Friday morning.
Following that, her brother Sheldon Borden took the stand.
He said tragedy hasn’t ended for his parents, who live in the Upper Big Tracadie home where Lionel Desmond shot and killed his wife, Shana Desmond, daughter, Aaliyah Desmond, and mother, Brenda Desmond, in 2017.
Borden told the inquiry, though they appreciated the effort to clean up the home following the incident, there were still signs of the tragedy.
“We would come across where there’s still blood in places, and there’s still blood coming from the ceiling, and that alone, in itself, you just need to stop what you’re doing and just go for a walk.”
Borden said there were many great memories in the home, but the one terrible memory spoils that.
He said it’s no way to live.
“I don’t want them to be in the home,” he said. “Most people would want their parents to be able to live after something like this. I wouldn’t call it living at this point, it’s just trapped.”
Shaunda Borden, Shana Desmond’s sister, was set to take the stand this afternoon, but technical issues prevented her testimony.
Presiding Judge Warren Zimmer adjourned the inquiry early. It is set to resume Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
