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 deathhas been closed, according to police.

In 2013, a 91-year-old woman diedat the same facilityafter being pushed by a fellow resident during an altercation.