Story perspectives

Man Sentenced for 'Mercy Killing' of Terminally Ill Husband

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ottawa man Philippe Hébert was sentenced to two years less a day of house arrest for manslaughter in his husband Richard Rutherford's death.
Justice Kevin Phillips described the act as "an assisted-suicide mercy killing."
Hébert, 74, admitted to killing Rutherford, 87, who had cancer.
Phillips acknowledged that Rutherford had requested assistance in dying.
Hébert said he had no regrets about fulfilling his husband's wish, aside from the legal consequences.

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Story summary

Ottawa man Philippe Hébert was sentenced to two years less a day of house arrest for manslaughter in his husband Richard Rutherford's death.
Justice Kevin Phillips described the act as "an assisted-suicide mercy killing."
Hébert, 74, admitted to killing Rutherford, 87, who had cancer.
Phillips acknowledged that Rutherford had requested assistance in dying.
Hébert said he had no regrets about fulfilling his husband's wish, aside from the legal consequences.