Trial begins for suspect in 2016 Woonsocket murder
Jan 08, 2025
WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — The man accused of stabbing an elderly woman to death nearly nine years ago is officially on trial.
Matthew Dusseault, 27, was taken into custody two years after 81-year-old Constance Gauthier's body was discovered inside her Woonsocket home.
Gauthier's body was first spotted by a neighbor who peered through one of her windows. Investigators believe Gauthier was stabbed more than 60 times and her home was staged to look like it had been ransacked.
Detectives also found Dusseault's DNA mixed with Gauthier's blood on her bedroom furniture, and called into question a suspicious "grim reaper" tattoo on his arm.
The neighbor who discovered Gauthier's body was also charged in connection with her murder. Those charges were later dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Jurors heard from Gauthier's physical therapist Wednesday, who became concerned for her wellbeing when she did not show up for her appointment.
Gauthier's physical therapist described her has being vibrant, independent and active, noting that it was unlike her to miss an appointment without calling first.
Assistant Attorney General Scott Erickson explained in his opening argument that the physical therapist first called Gauthier to check on her, and then decided to stop by her house when she didn't pick up her phone.
Erickson said no one answered the door when Gauthier's physical therapist knocked, and she noticed several days worth of newspapers on the front steps.
The physical therapist then decided to walk next door and ask Gauthier's neighbor whether she'd heard from her recently.
But the woman hadn't seen her, according to Erickson, and asked her son to go next door with the physical therapist to check on her. It wasn't until the neighbor looked through Gauthier's bedroom window that he saw her legs peeking out from underneath the mattress.
Erickson said the physical therapist, who couldn't see Gauthier's legs, knew something was wrong and immediately called 911. The first responding officer made his way into the house and found Gauthier's lifeless body on the floor surrounded by a pool of blood.
Dusseault has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The state is seeking life in prison without parole.
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