A Warwickshire man who stabbed his wife 78 times in a frenzied attack at their Tamworth home has been convicted of murder, with police welcoming the verdict as a step towards closure for the victim's family.
Robert Alexander, 66, was described in court as being 'obsessed with money' and paranoid that his wife Christina Alexander, 60, was going to leave him. On June 23 last year, he killed the nurse at their home in Tamworth.
Details of the Attack
A forensic pathologist found that Ms Alexander sustained at least 78 stab wounds, including injuries to her face, neck, body, arms and legs, as well as numerous additional cuts. On the day of the murder, Alexander made a 999 call in which he told police he had killed his wife and referred to issues surrounding money.
He initially admitted the killing but later changed his account. At trial, he claimed Ms Alexander had reached for a knife first and that he acted in self-defence. He also argued that depression and autism reduced his responsibility.
Court Proceedings
Experts concluded he was suffering from no more than mild depression and found no evidence of an abnormality of mind. Mr Alexander was convicted at Stafford Crown Court on June 24 and will be sentenced at a later date.
Police Reaction
The news of the verdict was praised by Warwickshire Police, who hope it 'goes some way to bring closure' for Ms Alexander's friends and family. Senior investigating officer Det. Supt. Charlie Naughton said: “First and foremost, our thoughts go to the family and friends of Christina Alexander who are devastated by her loss.
“Rather than accepting responsibility for his actions, Robert tried to claim he had no memory of the incident, meaning family and friends had to hear the horrific details of Christina’s final hours during a three-week trial.
“Those who loved Christina gave evidence of how Robert had controlled and bullied her throughout their marriage.
“We welcome the verdict and hope this goes some way to bring closure to their terrible ordeal.”
