A developmentally challenged man killed last week after a tragic incident in a long-term care facility was remembered Monday by his family and friends.
About 60 people attended the funeral for Keith Croteau, 59, at a ceremony held at the chapel of Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home.
Croteau died as a result of injuries suffered after he allegedly was beaten by another developmentally challenged man last Wednesday in a room they shared at Extendicare York in Sudbury.
Family members have said they believe an argument ensued between Croteau and his roommate because a television set was turned up too loud.
On Monday, Greater Sudbury Police charged Bryan Belliveau, 55, with second-degree murder. He was originally charged with assault causing bodily harm.
Const. Bert Lapalme, media relations co-ordinator for the Greater Sudbury Police Service, said the police investigation revealed Croteau died as a result of this incident, which provided sufficient evidence for police to lay the murder charge.
Belliveau remains in custody and will remain incarcerated until a bail hearing is arranged, said Lapalme.
The matter of Belliveau’s mental competency is now in the hands of the criminal justice system, said Lapalme.
It was originally reported that a member of Croteau’s family had talked to administration at Extendicare York about the two men arguing and had asked for them to be separated.
“I did not at any time ask to talk to staff or administration about the arguing or (ask) for them to be separated...I was never informed of the extent of the arguing...I was told after the incident that (they) had asked to be separated,” clarified Croteau's sister Sandra.
Croteau is survived by his sisters, Sandra and Debbie, as well as nieces and nephews. His parents, Richard and Betty June, are predeceased.
According to his obituary, Croteau was a a lifelong client of the Jarrett Centre. He was an avid bowler and a Toronto Maple Leaf fan.
