Luke MacLeod in court on murder charge months after suggesting Sheri Carpin killed herself

Holding back tears, Joe Giacalone says he came to the Calgary courthouse Friday morning to observe Luke MacLeod's first court appearance.

MacLeod,32,is charged with second-degree murder, accused of killing Giacalone's former girlfriend, 31-year-oldSheri Carpen, in March.

Giacalone dated Carpen for five years. The pair broke up a few months before her death.

"I wish I could have been there for her," Giacalonesaid.

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He says he almost reached out to her right before her death, but saw what he believed to be happy Facebook photos with Carpen and another man and thought it would be best to leave her alone.

"I just wish I would have worked things out with her, she didn't deserve this, she wouldn't hurt a fly," said Giacalone.

First, Giacalone had to deal with Carpen's death. Now, he's grappling with the news that police believe she was murdered.

Originally, MacLeodtold police Carpen, his girlfriend,committed suicide.

Her body was discovered in aPineridge home in northeast Calgary on March 28.

There was no reported history of domestic violence, according to police.

MacLeod was arrested in Coaldale, Alta., Wednesday and will be back in court Dec. 14.