Ullal: Woman’s suspicious death turns out to be murder

Ullal: A coroner’s inquest into a suspected death of a woman has proved it to be a murder case. Following the report, police arrested the victim’s husband for allegedly killing Shaima (44), the daughter of Kochi-resident Joseph in Kochi, Kerala.

The accused has been identified as Joseph Francis (54) a resident of Chetana Nagar in Kumpala. Police accused him of killing his wife Shaima with a blow to the head.

According to police, an argument broke out between the couple regarding a domestic issue. In a fit of rage, Joseph hit her hard on the head. Thereafter, he took her to a hospital in Deralakatte for treatment. She later passed away without responding to treatment.

In his statement to the police, Joseph had claimed that death to be a case of suicide. He told police his wife had attempted suicide by consuming poison.

Based on the doctor’s observation police had registered a case of a suspicious death. However, post-mortem examination at the hospital later discovered the cause of death to be a blow to the head.

In the subsequent questioning by police, Joseph confessed to the killing, police said.

Joseph, who had taken up a construction contract in Kerala, had arrived in Mangaluru about 5 days ago. The couple has 2 boys, studying in a primary school.