He told the court Barbe often felt suffocated by Fredette's neediness. If he texted, and she didn't respond immediately, it enraged him.
The day before, Barbe told the therapist about a violent fight. It began with an argument; Barbe wanted to leave the house. Fredette wouldn't let her leave and wouldn't let her use her phone.
Corneille said she finally ran out – barefoot – into the yard, yelling for help.
He said neighbours paid no attention because they often heard loud fights between the two.
Fredette chased after Barbe, said Corneille, put his hand over her mouth, and forced her back into the house. Once inside, he threw her to the ground and began yelling at her.
At 1 a.m., as Fredette was sleeping in another room, he went into a rage and kicked in the headboard of Barbe's bed.
Barbe was terrified, said her counsellor.
In therapy, Fredette didn't deny the episode. Barbe said she wanted Fredette to leave, but he refused.
"I had never seen Fredette so rigid," Corneille told the court, adding that he believed Barbe was in danger.
Couple's marriage counsellor tells court wife was assaulted days before her murder
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