Montrealer charged in suspected compassion killing to be released on bail

MONTREAL — A Montreal man charged with murdering his wife in a suspected compassion killing was granted bail Friday.

Michel Cadotte, who is in his mid-50s, was charged in February with second-degree murder, one day after his wife, Jocelyne Lizotte, was discovered in cardiac arrest at a longterm care facility.

He must abide by several conditions, which include living with his sister, taking prescription drugs, getting psychological support and paying a $10,000 guarantee.

On the day of his wife’s death, Cadotte wrote on Facebook he had consented to a request for assisted death, had “cracked” and was waiting for police. Elfriede-Andree Duclervil has suggested her client’s alleged actions were driven by empathy and compassion.

She says Cadotte has received support from his family as well as the victim’s and that her client does not represent a risk to society.