Guilty Verdict in Murder Case
A man has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend, described as "kind" and "intelligent."
Norbert Maiksner, aged 49, suffocated 45-year-old Frances Obiefuleh by wrapping tape around her face in Havant, Hampshire, in April of the previous year.
Her body was discovered after Maiksner was located by a highways officer walking on the hard shoulder of the M40 in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Maiksner instructed the officer to contact the police and inform them of his actions.
A jury at Portsmouth Crown Court found him guilty of murder and child cruelty charges. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Monday.
The trial commenced on 15 March, but Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary reported that Maiksner refused to attend court or participate in the proceedings.
He told officers that he had killed Obiefuleh and remarked that "it was all a dream and that he wanted to wake up," according to a spokesperson.
Details from the Trial
Paul Cavin KC, prosecuting, informed the court that a post-mortem examination determined Obiefuleh died from smothering, with injuries resulting from compression of the neck and chest.
The defendant was also found to have scratches on his chest and back.
"The likely and frankly terrible conclusion is that they were inflicted by Frances with her fingers and fingernails during the attack by the defendant in her last moments as she struggled to stay alive,"
the prosecutor stated.
Family Tribute
Following the verdict, Obiefuleh's family issued a statement paying tribute to her character and impact.
"She was a devoted mother and beautiful in every sense of the word,"
the family said, describing her as "kind, intelligent, and resourceful" and "a caring and deeply loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many."
"Someone we love has been cruelly taken from us, and it has changed our lives forever.
We have lost a truly beautiful soul. Her bright light has been cruelly dimmed, and we are left shaken, heartbroken, and still trying to process the grief and shock of losing Frances."
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