Joseph Schluter, the 45-year-old man charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of Cindy Enger, says the deceased woman wanted to die and begged him to end her life.
The lifeless body of the 51-year-old woman was discovered inside her home on Cramond Close Southeast in January.
According to court documents, Schluter informed investigators of the existence of a video recording where Enger detailed the reasons she wanted to die.
The accused and victim had dated and Schluter told detectives he was still in love with Enger. During a polygraph examination, the accused spoke of Enger’s depression, physical illness and her suicide attempt.
Schluter told police he placed plugs in his ears, recited a prayer and asked for forgiveness before he shot Enger multiple times in the head.
Officers responded to Enger’s home following a 911 call placed by her ex-husband on January 23, 2016 after he attempted to return their son to the residence and Enger failed to answer the door or her phone. Enger’s body was discovered in the laundry room surrounded by empty shell casings.
Police identified Schluter as a potential suspect early in the investigation given his relationship with the deceased and the fact his phone number appeared on the victim’s call display.
Schluter, who is currently out on bail, is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary inquiry in January 2017. Schluter declined CTV Calgary’s request for an interview but reiterated the fact that he cared deeply for Cindy Enger.
With files from CTV’s Kathy Le
