A bail hearing resumed Thursday for a 55-year-old man accused of killing his wife, who had Alzheimer’s disease.
Michel Cadotte testified under cross-examination that he had grown increasingly frustrated by nursing staff at a long-term care facility.
He told the court how he became extremely depressed after caring for Jocelyne Lizotte as she grew increasingly incapable over a nine-year-span.
Cadotte said he was frustraned that Lizotte was denied the right to medically assisted death despite her condition.
He claimed she was not receiving adequate care at the long-term facility, saying on the stand that the staff "brutalized" her, claiming she had bruises on her body from baths.
He also complained that the medication Lizotte was taking made her condition worse.
Cadotte claimed he felt a mix of compassion and anger because of everything Lizotte was forced to endure, adding that a series of incidents the day she died pushed him to the brink and worsened the depression he was going through.
After Lizotte's death, Cadotte informed her family, then posted messages on Facebook about the incident.
"I feel better since her passing. I no longer have to worry about the abuse she suffered. But I felt guilty, even if she's better off where she is now (...) she had a dignified death", he concluded.
Lizotte’s family was on hand Thursday for the trial hearing, clearly showing support for the accused by talking with his defence lawyer.
The Crown said that regardless of motive, Cadotte's alleged actions were against the law.
"This is exactly was the doctor-assisted legislation was meant to avoid. These actions go against the concept of what we're trying to implement" argued Crown prosecutor Antonio Parapuf.
"The objection of the crown is to maintain the confidence of the public in the administration of justice."
Cadotte's lawyer, Elfriede Duclervil, said the public would understand that this was no ordinary murder.
The judge said he would need several weeks to think about the matters involved, and would render his decision on July 7.
