Howard Richmond trial for wife’s murder begins in Ottawa
The trial of a Canadian solider charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife two years ago is scheduled to begin today in Ottawa.
The body of 28-year-old Melissa Richmond was found in a ditch in the south end of the city on July 28, 2013. A week later her husband, Warrant Officer Howard Richmond, was charged.
Melissa Richmond roadside memorial vandalized Soldier accused of murder owned ‘medieval-type’ weapons Ottawa homicide victim helped husband through PTSD
The 52-year-old reported his wife was missing on July 24, 2013, saying she didn’t return to the couple’s Winchester, Ont. home after a late-night drive.
Four days later, her body was found in a deep ditch along Bank Street near the South Keys Shopping Centre.
Police sources confirmed she’d been stabbed multiple times.
Before his arrest, Richmond told CBC he was being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. He had completed six tours of duty for the Canadian Armed Forces, including in Bosnia and Afghanistan.
Wife a ‘rock’ of support
Richmond said his wife of eight years helped him heal after the horrors of battle broke him. He referred to her as a “rock” of support.
In the interview, he talked about being devastated over his wife’s killing.
A few days after the CBC interview, police charged Richmond with first-degree murder.
Swords, throwing knives and blades were found during a search of the couple’s home.
The couple was part of an historical group dedicated to re-creating events from the middle ages.
Late last month, a make-shift memorial to Melissa Richmond located on a metal guard railing near the shopping centre was vandalized.
The trial is expected to last five weeks.
Richmond is still a warrant officer and employed as a geomatics technician in Ottawa.
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