A bail hearing will continue Thursday for a man charged with the second-degree murder of his wife.
Michel Cadotte, 55, was arrested in February and charged with the second-degree murder of his wife Jocelyne Lizotte.
In court Wednesday, Cadotte’s attorney Elfriede Duclervil called for his release on bail, arguing that this murder case is different than most because it was led by compassion, an argument that has fuelled the ongoing debate over assisted death.
Cadotte testified that at the time of the killing he was depressed and exhausted. He cried in court when he described Lizotte's health, saying that she could neither talk nor walk.
He said a day in her life was "not much," and that others saw her as just a shell although he still saw her as his life partner.
Lizotte's sister, Johanne, testified that the last time she saw Jocelyne alive, she wondered how much longer she could go on living.
Lizotte was in poor health and, at age 60, had been living at the Emilie Gamelin seniors’ residence on Dufresne St. for three years. She was dependent on others for everyday tasks such as walking, eating and washing.
A police officer testified Wednesdya morning that Lizotte had indeed asked for medical assistance to die but was denied, something her family also confirmed during the investigation.
Cadotte testified that Lizotte met six out of seven criteria, barring being near the end of her life.
Nursing home employee Rose Laure has said Lizotte had Alzheimer’s disease and very limited mobility.
Police said Lizotte may have been smothered by a pillow, and on Facebook Cadotte said that he "cracked" and "consented to her demands to help her die."
The officer testified that on the day of the event, Cadotte told nurses what he had allegedly done, and that he also sent a text to his brother-in-law, outlining for him where he could find Lizotte’s will and life insurance papers.
Family members seemed to be empathetic to Cadotte at first, but one of her sons changed his perception after a few days when, according to police, the suspect sent a lawyer’s letter to the victim’s son requesting access to the will, the life insurance papers, and the TV that was in her room.
However Lizotte's sister testified that when she learned of Jocelyn's death she did not cry because she knew her sister was now at peace.
Cadotte’s sister also testified on Wednesday in court, saying said she would house her brother and make sure he follows all the conditions should he be freed on bail.
The case has reignited debate among politicians, the medical community and Alzheimer’s groups over the right to die.
The Crown is arguing against Cadotte’s release on bail.
