David Rose investigation nets 2nd-degree murder charge

A 51-year-old man is facing a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the deathof David William Rose, according to Halifax police.

A 29-year old Halifax woman faces charges of robbery and being an accessory after the fact to murder in the case.

Both are scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court on Thursday.

The 65-year-old man was found dead ina South Street rooming house kitchen on Sunday night. Police are calling it ahomicide.

Const. Pierre Bourdages said they arrested the 51-year-old man and the 29-year-old woman, both of Halifax, inseparate residences on Tuesday night.

• David Rose, homicide victim, a 'pillar' in poor community

The cause of death hasn't been released.

Police said Rose's death was not a random killing but aren't explaining why.

Close friendStephen Gate told CBC News Rose was a "pillar in the poor people's community." Others described him as tender and goodhearted.

For 10 years, volunteer Valerie MacDonald served meals to Rose and other regulars at her church.

We just couldnt think of anybody who would want to hurt David from what we know, he's just such a gentle soul. Its hard, she said.

Friends and neighbours said the partially deaf man went to the soup kitchen for friendship. He didn't need to eat there because he was receiving a government pension.

MacDonald said she misses "the hugs ... and his smile. He always had a smile for folks."

At Christmas, he cooked for others in the rooming house.