Courts / Dublin / Report
Husband Facebook messaged wife's French boyfriend, murder trial hears
Summary
During a murder trial, the Central Criminal Court heard that Renato Gehlen, a 39‑year‑old Brazilian, told his 37‑year‑old French wife, Anne Colomines, that "when someone loves so much, it is the worst thing in the world" two days before she was killed by knife wounds at their Dublin apartment. Detective Garda Niamh Coates presented Facebook messages from Gehlen's phone in which he repeatedly expressed love and said, "A marriage is two imperfect people who do not give up on each other." Two days before her death he wished her a "happy wedding anniversary" and urged her not to give up on him. The court also heard that on the night of her death she exchanged 296 messages with a new French boyfriend, ending at 23:06, and that emergency responders found her lifeless body in her bedroom less than 30 minutes later. Renato Gehlen pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Husband Facebook messaged wife's French boyfriend, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering his 37-year-old French wife at the apartment they shared in Dorset Square, Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 on 25 October 2017. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 25 October 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 24, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-09-20 Publication
Why: Please don't give up on me because I'm slowly giving up on myself. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering his 37-year-old French wife at the apartment they shared in Dorset Square, Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 on 25 October 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Dorset Square
- Gardiner Street
- Dublin
Topics
Social Media Stage Trial Violent Crime Wedding Related
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