Jury selection began today in the trial of Denis Florian Ratte, the 58-year-old Prince George man charged in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Wendy, 13 years ago.
Wearing an untucked blue shirt and black pants, a balding and stubble-cheeked Ratte appeared in the Prince George courthouse, 22 months after he was arrested in Dec. 2008. He is charged with second-degree murder.
Wendy Ratte disappeared at 9 a.m. on Aug. 18, 1997 near what is now Value Village, close to the intersection of 15 Avenue and Spruce Street.
Police discovered her van parked near the intersection. She had been running errands with her husband and she failed to show up where they agreed to meet.
The disappearance of Wendy Ratte left investigators without a body, a suicide note and little indication she may have run away. Police have not revealed what prompted the arrest of Denis Ratte 11 years after his wife's disappearance.
A publication ban is in place covering the details of the trial not heard before a jury until after a verdict is delivered. A separate publication ban covers any information that may identify RCMP officers involved in the case.
A translator is being provided to Denis Ratte during the case because French is his first language.
