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Murder accused husband told gardai that wife stabbed herself

Summary

Renato Gehlen, a 39‑year‑old Brazilian, denied murdering his 37‑year‑old French wife, Anne Colomines, and told Gardaí that she stabbed herself after a heated argument. He claimed that after trying to persuade her to speak and asking if she was seeing anyone else, she took a Stanley knife and began cutting her neck, but the cut was shallow and did not bleed. He said they fought over her computer, during which she allegedly said, "If I'm going to fuck me up I'm going to be sure to fuck you up very well." Gehlen reported that he tried to grab the knife, fell, and that Colomines then stabbed herself in the abdomen. He further alleged that she had a second cut on her torso, possibly from the struggle. Gehlen also claimed he panicked, called a friend, and attempted suicide with a knife, cutting his arms and legs before being taken to hospital. Renato Gehlen pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused husband told gardai that wife stabbed herself. Charges or matters: murdering his 37-year-old French wife at the apartment they shared in Dorset Square, Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 on 25 October 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 10 November 2017 Incident
• 25 October 2017 Other
• 2021-09-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report