The family of an 85-year-old Calgary man accused of murder who is believed to have dementia is overwhelmed trying to understand what the future holds.
Fred van Zuiden is accused of second-degree murder for the death of his wife Audrey—the love of his life.
“It’s just terrifying to see someone so lost, disoriented, looking around trying to process what’s going on,” his godson, Vince Walker, told Global News Thursday. “He comes in and out of reality. He oftentimes doesn’t know where he is and I’m worried that he’s scared.”
Watch below from Oct. 4: Calgary police have charged 85-year-old Siegfried van Zuiden with second-degree murder in the death of his wife Audrey. Global’s Nancy Hixt reports.
Police said van Zuiden called 911 early Tuesday morning. When officers arrived, he let them in the Rideau Park apartment and they found Audrey dead.
During his first court appearance, a forensic psychiatrist who spoke with him said van Zuiden likely suffers from dementia. His godson and friends also believe he has the disorder, and fear what the future holds.
“I’m concerned about his reputation,” Walker said.
“It’s our belief right now that the alleged incident was a result of his perception that an intruder was in his house and he was protecting his house and his wife—to the point where I’ve been told that he attacked himself in the mirror.”
Van Zuiden has been sent to the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre (SAFPC). He will be assessed for at least 30 days.
Watch below from Oct. 5: It was an emotional first court appearance for Calgary senior Siegfried van Zuiden who was arrested after the body of his wife of 56 years was found in a southwest apartment. As David Boushy reports, van Zuiden’s mental health is now a key issue in this tragic case.
The first step will be to determine if van Zuiden is fit to stand trial.
“Can that person even address these alleged charges in front of the courts?…can they understand the court procedures and potential outcomes?” Dr. David Tano said.
Tano is a forensic psychiatrist at SAFPC. He can’t comment on specific cases but noted van Zuiden will have to go through the same court process as anyone else.
“That’s pretty much the reason why we live in a country like Canada where we have human rights and we have legal processes: to try to address these type of issues. Otherwise it would be a free-for-all of whatever people feel like…and that’s not justice,” Tano said.
Van Zuiden’s loved ones are trying to get access to see him at SAFPC.
“I want to give him a message, I want him to know: Fred I am here for you, we are here to support you, you are not alone,” Walker said.
“He’s with strangers, he’s in a cell and you can imagine what a cell might look like to a guy who thinks the Gustapo’s after him, for example. We’re terrified for him,” he added.
Walker also hopes this case can help raise awareness about dementia.
“I’m sure there’s nobody that doesn’t know somebody that is suffering from dementia.”
READ MORE: Dementia – What are the early warning signs and symptoms?
Van Zuiden’s next court date is set for Nov. 4.
Watch below from Oct. 5: The tragic case of 85-year-old Siegfried van Zuiden is raising questions about dementia and the care available to those affected. Bindu Suri spoke to one family personally touched by the story.
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