Parkstone Enhanced Care death ruled a homicide, but no charges

Halifax Regional Police have decided not to lay charges in the death of an 81-year-old man at a Halifax area nursing home.

The victim was a patient at Parkstone Enhanced Care in Clayton Park West. Last week, he got involved in an altercation with another patient, a 71-year-old man. The victim fell as a result, but didn't die until Saturday night.

Police said they were called to the facility on Parkland Drive Sunday morning. The medical examiner's office completed an autopsy Monday and ruled the death a homicide.

Police said they consulted with the public prosecution service and decided the assailant couldn't be held criminally culpable because of a cognitive impairment. No charges will be laid.

The file on the death has been closed, according to police.

In 2013, a 91-year-old woman died at the same facility after being pushed by a fellow resident during an altercation.