An elderly Calgary man has been charged with second-degree murder after his wife was found dead in their southwest apartment Tuesday morning.
Siegfried van Zuiden, identified by sources as “Fred,” is set to appear in court Wednesday.
Calgary police identified the victim as Audrey van Zuiden, 80. Officers believe she was assaulted during the early morning hours, but don’t know what spurred the attack.
“There is no history of domestic violence that police are aware of at this time,” police said in a statement.
Officers were called to the Rideau Park condominium complex in the 3000 block of Rideau Place S.W. at around 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday by Fred.
“Mr. van Zuiden contacted police, met police at the door, brought them inside the residence,” Insp. Don Coleman said. “So he’s cooperated.
“It’s very rare and very tragic…I don’t see the value in sensationalizing this at all. It’s truly a tragedy for that family.”
Van Zuiden, 85, is originally from Holland. He has written a book about Nazi-occupied Holland, described as “a personal account of survival.”
According to his author biography, van Zuiden came to Canada in 1952 and eventually settled in Calgary where he founded a sailboat business.
Neighbours said residents in the Devonshire House apartment building suspected van Zuiden suffered from dementia.
Several neighbours told Global News van Zuiden frequently became disoriented and wandered the building and sometimes wandered into other tenants’ suites.
Coleman declined to comment on whether the accused suffers from a medical condition, explaining that type of information would come forward in the hearing process.
“The elements of the offence have been met, so a charge is laid,” he said. “What happens post-charge through the hearing process is another matter and not up to us. If there is medical issues, that’ll come to light then.”
One resident said the couple was very well-liked, adding the news has hit everyone in the building hard.
“The neighbours and everyone are just beside themselves,” said Andrew, a tenant who only wanted to be identified by his first name.
Scott Malo said the whole incident is shocking.
“Nothing really happens around here,” he said. “I didn’t know what was happening.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, the Homicide Unit Tip Line at 403-428-8877 or contact Crime Stoppers.
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