Clark Sauve’s daughter took the stand at his murder trial Thursday, describing her parents’ final months together as a time of financial and health-related stresses.
Sauve is accused of killing his wife, Linda Sauve, inside their Cambridge home in December 2014.
He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, and claimed that his wife was shot by one of two women who were trying to rob their house. An antique handgun was found near her body.
One of several witnesses to testify Thursday was Cheri Green, the Sauves’ daughter.
She told the court that after her father hit his head on a metal beam in 2011, “things slowly started to turn.”
Sauve was in and out of hospitals over the next few years, and in was told in September 2014 that he would have five years to live.
“He was very upset, as anyone would be,” Green testified.
Green said that her father fell into depression and attempted suicide, but later became more hopeful after a second doctor told him that his condition was not terminal.
The trial also heard from Hazel Keys, a longtime friend of the Sauves.
Keys testified that the couple’s marriage had been “solid” until Clark Sauve hit his head and started to lose his mobility. He soon sold his business and spent more time restoring old guns.
“He was pretty depressed about his life,” Keys said.
Keys said that at one point, she asked Linda Sauve if she was concerned about her husband’s guns.
“I hadn’t really thought about that,” she recalled her friend responding.
The trial continues Thursday.
With reporting by Max Wark
