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Husband who claimed wife stabbed herself to death is found guilty of murder
Summary
In a Dublin murder trial, Renato Gehlen, 39, was found guilty of killing his wife Anne Colomines, 37, by stabbing her through the heart on 25 October 2017. The jury, after two and a half hours, rejected Gehlen's claim that Colomines had stabbed herself. Prosecutors described his actions as an attempt to control the end of their marriage, citing his "toxic masculinity" and the fact that he had tried to grab a knife during a struggle. Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Colomines suffered four stab wounds, a 22‑cm throat incision and defensive injuries to her hands, concluding it was highly unlikely she inflicted the fatal wounds herself. The court will impose a mandatory life sentence on Gehlen, with sentencing scheduled for 22 October 2024. The trial also revealed that Colomines had been in a new relationship and had exchanged nearly 300 messages with her boyfriend in the hours before her death. Renato Gehlen pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Husband who claimed wife stabbed herself to death is found guilty of murder. Charges or matters: murdering his wife Ms Colomines (37), a French national who worked for Paypal, at their home in Dorset Square, Gardiner Street upper, Dublin 1 on October 25, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 25, 2017 Other
- October 22 Adjournment
- September 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 24, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 10 Other
- 2021-09-29 Publication
Why: He told detectives that he then tried to kill himself because Ms Colomines was his family. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering his wife Ms Colomines (37), a French national who worked for Paypal, at their home in Dorset Square, Gardiner Street upper, Dublin 1 on October 25, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: I understand that can be done quickly." The judge will hand down the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment to Gehlen on October 22 and remanded the accused in custody until that date.; Mr Justice MacGrath adjourned sentencing after prosecution counsel, Karl Finnegan BL, asked the court for a short period of time, saying: "As the court is aware the deceased's relatives have travelled from France and they are anxious to provide a victim impact statement prior to sentencing.
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