Audrey van Zuiden's family blames slaying on 'hideous illness,' not husband with suspected dementia
Fred van Zuiden, who killed his wife of 56 years, believed to suffer from dementia
Siblings of a Calgary senior found dead last month say a "hideous illness" and not her accused husband of 56 years is to blame for her death.
Audrey van Zuiden, who was 80, was found on Oct. 4 in the home she shared with Fred van Zuiden, who is charged with second-degree murder.
Loved ones say the husband has long suffered from dementia, and a psychiatrist told a courtroom last month he agrees that's likely to be the case.
The woman's brother, Victor Brent, and sister, Josephine Tucker, issued a written statement as friends and family held a celebration of life for her in Calgary.
They say they bear no ill feelings toward Fred van Zuiden and accept that what happened was a tragic accident.
The accused is undergoing psychiatric testing and is next due in court on Dec. 2.
- OTHER CRIME NEWS | Calgary man killed by accident over iPhone and a girl, says brother of accused
- OTHER CRIME NEWS | Peace Bridge vandals prompt plan for loudspeaker and more cameras