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. Aweek later her husband,Warrant Officer Howard Richmond, was arrestedcharged.

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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 forpost-traumaticstress disorder.He had completed six tours of duty for the Canadian Armed Forces, including in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

Wife a 'rock' of support

Richmondsaidhis 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 interviewhe also 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. They werepartof an historical group dedicated to re-creating events from the middle ages.

Late last month, amemorial for Melissa Richmondnear the shopping centre was vandalized.

The trial is expected to last five weeks.

Richmond is still a warrant officer and employed as ageomatics technician in Ottawa.