81-year-old woman convicted of second-degree murder in husband’s death after three-week trial; all you need to know

An 81-year-old woman has been found guilty in the death of her husband. The accused, identified as Elfgard Oughtred, was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her husband, Gordon Oughtred. The incident came to light when Gordon was found in a pool of blood on the floor of the couple’s Brant County home on Nov. 24, 2022.

An autopsy concluded his death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head, and The Crown alleges Elfgard killed her husband amid tensions over her gambling habit, according to CTV News. Following a deliberation lasting six hours, the jury came back with the guilty verdict on Friday (April 17, 2026).

Elfgard’s lawyer Nimrata Sandhu told CTV that she feels great sympathy for her client. “I do think there are two sides to every story,” Sandhu said. The verdict carries an automatic life sentence.


Aubrey Hilliard will later decide how long Elfgard Oughtred will be ineligible for parole, with the period ranging between 10 and 25 years. Jurors were given the option to weigh in on the decision, with eight recommending the minimum of 10 years, while three did not offer a recommendation, CTV News reported.

Elfgard is set to appear in court July 27, 2026, for a parole eligibility hearing. Victim impact statements are expected to be heard at that time. During the trial, which lasted three weeks, jurors heard testimony from family members, first responders, police officers, and several experts.

They also saw the video of three statements Elfgard made to police throughout the course of the investigation. She has been consistent in denying her involvement in Gordon's death. Elfgard’s defence did not call evidence, but in closing arguments her lawyer, Nimrata Sandhu, suggested Gordon’s injuries may have resulted from a fall.

On the day of the verdict, jurors heard there were three possible verdicts: they could find Elfgard guilty of second-degree murder, not guilty, or guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter if they believed Elfgard caused Gordon’s death but did not intend to kill him.