File Photo: Alexandria Criminal court. Al-Ahram
The court found the 40-year-old man, who worked as a low-ranking policeman, guilty on charges of killing seven people, which included his wife, three of his children, his mother and father-in-law, and his brother-in-law. He also attempted to kill his fourth child.
During the trial, which began on Sunday, the court heard from eyewitnesses, including an eight-year-old son who survived the incident. The court also heard from police officers who inspected the crime scene and reviewed the autopsy reports of the victims.
According to the prosecution, the 40-year-old man was at his parents-in-law’s house in the Abu Soliman area of Alexandria in early March to reconcile with his wife after their separation. However, after she refused to reconcile with him, the accused allegedly shot dead his wife, his parents-in-law, brother-in-law, and three of his children.
His fourth son, who was also shot and critically injured, managed to flee the scene but later recounted the incident to the police. The deceased sons were aged two, three, four, and seven, while their mother was in her mid-20s.
The prosecution referred the case to the criminal court following the testimonies of 13 people, including the surviving son. According to the prosecution, 20 empty shotgun shells were found at the scene.
Egypt's penal code mandates seeking the opinion of the Grand Mufti before issuing a death sentence. However, the opinion itself is not binding. The court has scheduled May 6th as the date to issue a preliminary verdict on the defendant.
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