Man on death row files appeals over Shakhoora killing verdict

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A man sentenced to death for stabbing his neighbour to death in Shakhoora has lodged an appeal less than a day after the ruling.

The First High Criminal Court of Appeal is due to hear the case on 21 July.

The appeal follows a unanimous ruling by the High Criminal Court, which sentenced the man to death and ordered him to pay provisional compensation to the victim’s family.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the knife and other items used in the attack.

Confession

The defendant had confessed during questioning by investigators, according to the court’s written judgment.

His answers were said to be calm and coherent, showing full grasp of the questions put to him.

A psychiatric assessment found no signs of disorder.

The judges concluded he was fully aware of his actions and had acted of his own accord.

Plan

The court found that the man had planned the killing in advance.

He had watched the victim’s movements, chosen his moment, and waited outside the house.

On the day of the attack, he stood near the front door wearing gloves and holding a knife.

When the victim stepped outside, the defendant lunged at him and stabbed him repeatedly in different parts of the body.

Intent and awareness

The court said this showed both intent and awareness.

The murder came to light when police received a report of a body found on the road in Shakhoora, near the victim’s home.

He had suffered several stab wounds. Prosecutors were informed and opened an inquiry on the spot.

A team from the Public Prosecution, along with a forensic doctor and crime scene specialists, examined the area and inspected the body.

Samples were collected for testing, and the forensic team was asked to determine the cause and nature of the wounds.

Security cameras

Witness statements and footage from nearby security cameras helped identify the suspect, who turned out to be a relative and neighbour of the victim.

He was arrested on the order of the prosecution.

When questioned, he admitted to the killing.

He said the attack followed a long-running personal dispute. He had decided to lie in wait for the victim and stab him as he left the house.