Home / Crime and Justice / Wife Stabbed After School Drop-off: Husband Pleads Guilty
Wife Stabbed After School Drop-off: Husband Pleads Guilty
21 Jan
Summary
- Husband pleaded guilty to murder almost 10 months after the event.
- The victim was stabbed multiple times in her backyard.
- Justice indicated a sentence of up to 26 years if plea entered.
Jessie James Tumaliuan, 41, has pleaded guilty to the murder of his estranged wife, Czarina Gatbonton Tumaliuan, 42. The crime occurred in the victim's backyard shortly after she dropped their children at primary school.
Tumaliuan entered his plea in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday, almost ten months after the fatal incident. Justice Amanda Fox indicated a sentence of up to 26 years, requiring 20 years to be served before parole eligibility, if a guilty plea was entered.
Prior to the plea, the defence indicated they would seek a forensic psychiatric assessment to mitigate the sentence. CCTV footage captured part of the attack, including the victim's screams as she fled to the backyard. The prosecutor stated the assault continued around the side of the house.
Tumaliuan called emergency services three times after the incident. He will return to court for a pre-sentence hearing on March 13, where sentencing submissions are expected.
