Charges laid in 2019 domestic homicide

Domestic violence is an issue that affects people from all walks of life and we regularly see victims from every community, ethnicity, age group, sexuality and gender in our city. While the vast majority of victims in domestic violence cases are women, approximately one in five victims in Calgary are men.

This week, we laid charges in a case from early last year where it is alleged a man died from injuries inflicted by his girlfriend.

Around 10 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, we were called to the Heritage CTrain station after a citizen reported a couple passed out on the floor. When officers arrived, they found a man in medical distress and he was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead. A woman with him was also taken to hospital as a precaution but was soon released.

Following the investigation and medical evidence from the autopsy, we now believe that the man died following a violent domestic incident. The victim has been identified as Benjamin RAIN of Calgary. He was 29 years old at the time.

Mae TALLOW, 29, of Calgary is charged with one count of manslaughter in connection with this case. She was arrested without incident on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

This case is believed to be the eighth domestic homicide that occured in 2019.

“In complex cases like this one, it can take a while to gather the evidence needed to piece together what happened,” said Staff Sergeant Colin Chisholm with the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit. “Hopefully this can bring some closure to Mr. Rain’s family.”

Calgarians experiencing abuse or violence in an intimate or family relationship are always encouraged to reach out for help as these harmful behaviours often become worse over time.

“If someone is experiencing domestic abuse or violence, the best time to reach out for help is right now,” added Chisholm. “We have strong supports in our city for both victims and abusers to help change the course of a relationship before things escalate further.”

There are countless agencies ready to offer support to people dealing with domestic abuse or violence. They can be contacted simply by calling 211, or the Connect Family & Sexual Abuse Network at either 1-877-237-5888 (for sexual abuse) or 403-234-7233 (for domestic abuse).

Victims of domestic violence can also contact the Calgary Police Service at anytime by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if in immediate danger.

Case # 19055466/4701