A 28-year-old Centreville man has been charged with second degree murder following a fatal fire in the Kings County community on Jan. 11.

Justin Joseph Benjamin was arrested around noon on Jan. 11 on Highway 8 near Lequille, Annapolis County. He was charged Jan. 12 with murder and arson with disregard to human life. He is scheduled to appear in Kentville provincial court Jan. 13.

Kentville Volunteer Fire Department, Kings District RCMP and EHS responded to a structure fire on Anthony Avenue at around 3 a.m. on Jan. 11.

“Six people were able to escape the home safely prior to the arrival of first responders and none were injured,” an RCMP news release said.

“During the course of the investigation, a 22-year-old woman was located deceased inside the home. From the initial information and evidence gathered, investigators believed that both the death and the fire were suspicious in nature.”

The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit are leading the investigation. The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Office determined the woman’s death was the result of homicide, the release said, noting her death was the result of intimate partner violence.

Police encourage anyone experiencing, or at risk of, intimate partner violence to reach out. They said support is available across Nova Scotia and can be accessed by dialing 211, calling 1-855-225-0220, or visiting Nova Scotia 211 online. Support is available anonymously.