Man convicted of murdering wife in Colchester

A man who killed his wife and claimed he had acted in self-defence has been convicted of her murder.

Ertan Ersoy was convicted of murdering Antonella Castelvedere who was a lecturer at the University of Suffolk on 1 June 2022.

During interview, Ersoy remained silent despite being asked why he had not asked about his wife’s condition.

As a result of the investigative work, Ersoy, 51, of Wickham Road, was subsequently charged with murder.

In a statement, Antonella’s family said:

“The family thanks for the respect shown towards Antonella, respect that Antonella did not have from her husband, and for all the people involved, and the delicacy with which they communicated to us the developments of this tragic story.

“Respect is important for those who remain".

Detective Chief Inspector Ant Alcock, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, led our investigation from the outset said:

“This is a tragic case in which a family has lost a mother, daughter and a sister. First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Antonella’s family and friends. I know her loss will continue to be felt by those close to her.

“Ertan Ersoy is a clever, manipulative and calculated man, but his defence was based on a lie which was found out. He claimed he had an abnormality of mental functioning that substantially affected his judgement and self-control, this abnormality was described by experts as mild to moderate depression which the jury did not agree was sufficient to reduce his conviction to manslaughter.

"He was a man who sought to control his wife’s life and that ultimately culminated in a cruel and brutal attack in June last year."