PTSD soldier who claimed he suffered a flashback and killed his wife during rape fantasy sex game gets life in prison

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A solider who murdered his wife has been found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. 

Howard Richmond, 53, stabbed his wife Melissa, 28, to death with a knife and screwdriver outside an Ottawa shopping center in July 2013 and then hid her body, his bloody clothes and the weapons in their basement rafters.

During his trial, Howard - who had completed six tours of duty - said that the two had been engaging in a rape fantasy role play where he was to cut away her clothing in a public place and the two would then have sex, but a loud noise triggered his post traumatic stress disorder.

He also claimed to be unaware his wife was having an affair with a close friend of the couple, and had been preparing to leave him for the man. 

Howard Richmond (left) stabbed his wife Melissa (right) to death with a knife and screwdriver in July 2013

CBC News reports that the jury returned with their verdict after eight days of deliberations.

Howard had two doctors testify on his behalf claiming that he had been dealing with PTSD ever since seeing a young girl being shot dead before his eyes in 1992 while serving in Croatia. 

A forensic team noted however that Howard began researching PTSD on his computer just hours after killing his wife, and at one point looked at a page that discussed flashbacks.

He also began to write on Facebook about hearing voices, which he had never done before.

Howard reported Melissa missing the day after he killed her, and three days later her body was found in the basement.

After being charged with her her death, he claimed that he had been waiting in the bushes with a knife and screwdriver shortly after midnight in order to jump out and cut off his wife's clothes in a rape fantasy role-playing game.

He said he did not event remember killing his wife, just seeing her dead on the ground after being startled by the loud noise which his defense argued caused his flashback. 

It is not known why Melissa was outside the mall at that time of night. 

After being charged with her murder Howard (above on their wedding day) claimed he was suffering from PTSD when he killed his wide

Howard also argued that he was unaware his wife had been having an affair, despite claims from multiple people that Melissa had admitted her relationship to them and had been preparing to leave her husband. 

After the verdict, an impact statement was read from Melissa's family.

'You think jail is hell, try living the past 28 months trying to wrap our heads around having to bury our 28-year-old daughter. She never hurt a soul, never did anything bad to anyone,' read the statement.

'Every time your cell door slams shut, may it be a reminder to you of what you did — taking her life. There was absolutely no justification for murdering Melissa.'

Howard did not speak when given the opportunity in court.

The charge carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, though Howard could be eligible for parole in 25 years.