David Rose killed by asphyxiation: Halifax police

David William Rose died of asphyxiation in his South Street rooming house on Sunday night and Halifax Regional Police say his death was drug related.

Bradford Beals, 51, was charged with second-degree murder late Wednesday. Deborah Spencer, 29, is accused of being an accessory after the fact and robbery.

Investigators said the 65-year-old victim and the accused were known to each other and the death wasn't random.

Beals and Spencer made their first trip to the courthouse on Thursday. Both opted to remain in the holding cells in the basement of the Spring Garden Road courthouse while lawyers discussed their case. Spencer was represented by Eugene Tan. Beals is still trying to arrange for a lawyer.

Crown prosecutor Terry Nickerson said there wasn't much to do because the case is still in the very early stages.

"Both individuals were put over until next Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. As you know, it's absolute jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for murder charges, so provincial court does not deal with bail," he said.

"Next step is to set it over to the Supreme Court, see if somebody wants to apply for bail and take it from there."

Nickerson said if either Beals or Spencer do plan to apply for bail, the Crown is opposed to their release.

Both have lengthy criminal records.

Beals's record dates back to 1985 with a pimping charge of householder permitting sexual activity. His record also includes a number of drug and assault charges.

Spencer's record includes fraud charges.

They'll be back in court March 19.