A Montreal North man on trial for killing his wife who was suffering from Alzheimer's told a relative after her death that he was sorry and that he cracked.
Michel Cadotte, 57, is charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of Jocleyne Lizotte, 60 in February 2017 at the long term care home where she had been living.
In the opening statement to the jury of eight men and four women, crown prosecutor Antonio Parapuf said they intend to prove Cadotte wanted to bring about Lizotte's death and that his actions were intentional.
"He chose to end her life," said Parapuf.
Michel Cadotte rises in prisoners box as the charge against him is read out: on or around Feb.20, 2017 did cause the death of Jocelyne Lizotte, committing second degree murder to which he has pleaded not guilty. Judge issuing her directives to jury of 8 men & 4 women. #CJAD800
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) January 15, 2019
Parapuf said Lizotte has been suffering from Alzheimer's for about ten years and her state deteriorated to the point where she could no longer take care of herself, she could no longer communicate with loved ones and she no longer recognized them.
Parapuf said they'll show that Cadotte made a request for medically assisted dying for Lizotte which was refused because she wasn't considered as being at the end of her life and she was not apt to consent.
Parapuf told the jury that Lizotte was in a state of "great vulnerability" when Cadotte suffocated her by putting a pillow over her face.
Parapuf said their evidence will show that aftrwards, Cadotte went out to smoke a cigarette and when he returned, admitted to a nurse what he had done and then later said in a text to his brother-in-law that he was sorry, that he knew this would hurt him but that he cracked and Lizotte was no longer with them.
Crown’s opening statement: intends to prove Michel Cadotte wanted and intended to kill his wife Jocelyne Lizotte who was sufferjng from Alzheimer’s for many years and who was in a state of “great vulnerability” when he suffocated her with a pillow over her face. #CJAD800
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) January 15, 2019
The prosecutor said the crown is aware that some cases create more emotions than others but that they are confident the jury would render a verdict that is fair and conform to the evidence, leaving aside all sympathy and preconceived notions.
Parapuf is being aided by fellow prosecutor Geneviève Langlois while Cadotte is represented by Elfride Duclervil and Nicolas Welt.
The first witness for the prosecution was a police officer, among the nearly 20 who will testify.
The trial is expected to last six to seven weeks.