Newmarket man sentenced to life for murdering his wife
He pleaded guilty last month
Last updated 9th May 2024
A man's been sentenced to life for murdering his wife in Newmarket.
48 year old Olubunmi Abodunde, of Exning Road, had previously denied the charge, but changed his plea to guilty last month, just as his trial was beginning.
41 year old Taiwo Abodunde was found dead in her home on Exning Road on 28th November 2023.
Police entered the property shortly before 10am, where they found her body.
Abodunde was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with Taiwo's murder.
Today (9th May 2024) the court heard how Olubunmi had become jealous of his wife, convinced that the 41-year-old was having an affair.
Taiwo called the police on a number of occasions, and on 27th November 2023, officers arrested Olubunmi for assaulting his wife, he was then released on bail, and told he was not to have any contact with his wife.
The court heard how officers arrived back at their property on Exning Road to get a victim statement from Taiwo, knocking multiple times with no response, but could hear and see someone moving inside.
Police eventually entered the address and found Taiwo with significant neck, head and brain injuries.
The court heard how this resulted in the 41-year-olds death, after she was hit repeatedly by Olubunmi, at some point he had grabbed a skateboard and continued.
The skateboard was found covered in blood, while some parts were found in her head.
Speaking after Abodunde changed his plea to guilty, Detective Inspector Dan Connick said: “This was an awful attack on a woman that has had a lasting impact on the community and most importantly on the victim’s family.
“We are pleased that Taiwo’s family will no longer have to go through the pain of a trial.
“Our thoughts remain with Taiwo’s family and friends and hope this result will bring some small comfort to them.”
IOPC Investigation
Suffolk Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following Taiwo's death, as there had been previous police contact at the address.
The IOPC's investigation is ongoing.