A man from Samoa with five children was driven by extreme jealousy to fatally stab his wife due to a false belief that she was having an affair with his brother. Rimoni Muliaga, 44, committed the brutal act by repeatedly using a large kitchen knife to attack Lise Muliaga, 37, at his brother’s residence in Melton South, Melbourne, shortly after the family had moved from New Zealand.
The tragic incident unfolded in front of their three young children, aged 12, seven, and five, who witnessed the horrifying assault and its aftermath. The Supreme Court of Victoria, led by Justice James Gorton, condemned Muliaga for the murder, highlighting the senseless violence against an innocent and defenseless woman.
Muliaga’s unfounded suspicion of his wife’s alleged infidelity led to a heated argument that escalated into a fatal confrontation. He viciously attacked his wife with the knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds, including a fatal 9.5cm stab to her chest that resulted in severe injuries and ultimately her death.
Despite his troubled background and mental health issues, including a low IQ and a history of depressive disorders, Muliaga was held accountable for his actions. The court emphasized that his condition did not excuse the crime, especially considering his prior violent behavior towards his wife.
Following a trial where Muliaga admitted to the stabbing but disputed his intent, a jury found him guilty of murder. Justice Gorton sentenced him to 24 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 18 years and six months. The court also noted that Muliaga, who is not an Australian citizen, is likely to face deportation upon completion of his sentence.
The tragic event, witnessed by their children, has left a lasting impact on the family, with the children facing the reality of life without their mother and the trauma of knowing their father’s actions led to her death.
