An Ottawa resident admitted to causing the death of his ailing spouse of four decades in 2022, citing a mutual suicide pact that went unfulfilled. Philippe Hébert, 72, shared in court that his late partner, Richard Rutherford, 87, had expressed a desire to end his life, leading to the tragic incident at their Smyth Road residence. Initially facing a second-degree murder charge, Hébert later pled guilty to manslaughter to avoid a trial, with sentencing deliberations currently ongoing.
The court heard that Rutherford, a distinguished former principal dancer at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, had been grappling with various health issues, including a recent cancer diagnosis. On the night of Rutherford’s passing, Hébert informed emergency services that his husband had requested to be euthanized due to his deteriorating health conditions. Despite agreeing to fulfill this request, Hébert later confessed to paramedics that he couldn’t bring himself to end his own life as planned.
Hébert revealed his struggles in coping with Rutherford’s declining health, sharing that he had previously attempted suicide out of fear that his partner would pass away alone in a hospital during the pandemic. While acknowledging the gravity of his actions, Hébert expressed remorse and disclosed that the couple had discussed medical assistance in dying with a physician but didn’t pursue it further.
During the sentencing proceedings, Hébert recounted the events leading up to Rutherford’s death, including being granted the authority to admit his spouse to long-term care. Despite his compliance with Rutherford’s wishes, Hébert admitted to grappling with the aftermath of his actions and made multiple unsuccessful suicide attempts following the incident. He emphasized that he contacted emergency services promptly, fully aware of the legal implications of his actions.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Hébert has received unwavering support from a substantial group of family members and acquaintances, underscoring the complexity and emotional toll of the situation. The sentencing hearing is set to resume the following day as the community continues to grapple with the tragic outcome of the couple’s shared struggles.