Ottawa man pleads guilty to manslaughter in failed suicide pact with husband

OttawaAn Ottawa man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter Monday was attempting to carry out a suicide pact with his husband but was unable to take his own life, according to court documents.Philippe Hébert admitted killing husband Richard Rutherford in April 2022CBC News · Posted: Sep 08, 2025 12:18 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoPhilippe Hébert pleaded guilty Monday to manslaughter in the death of his husband Richard Rutherford in April 2022. (Arthur White-Crummey/CBC)WARNING: This story contains references to suicide.An Ottawa man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter Monday was attempting to carry out a suicide pact with his husband but was unable to take his own life, according to court documents.Richard Rutherford, 87, was found dead April 15, 2022, inside a home on Smyth Road.The former principal dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet was remembered for his community work and contributions to Canadian dance.Philippe Hébert, then 69, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. His jury trial was scheduled to begin this week.Instead, Hébert entered his guilty plea Monday morning.According to an agreed statement of facts, Hébert told the 911 dispatcher that Rutherford’s health was failing and that he’d asked his husband to end his life.Richard Rutherford dances in a performance of Bluebird Pas de Deux in 1960. On Monday, his husband pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing him. (Campbell and Chipman photographers/Royal Winnipeg Ballet)Hébert did so, but told paramedics he’d been unable to carry out the second part of their agreement.Hébert was accompanied in the courtroom Monday by a large group of family and other supporters who told CBC they were friends and neighbours of both men.Court proceedings have been adjourned until Tuesday.If you or someone you know is struggling, here’s where to look for help: Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website. Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre. This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you’re worried about. With files from Arthur White-Crummey