Inspired by a crime series: man stabs wife to death and flees with 54,000 shekels
According to Delhi Police, the 53-year-old suspect purchased the murder weapon in advance. Following the crime, he withdrew a large sum of cash and was apprehended while attempting to escape. During interrogation, he cited a long-standing property dispute as the motive.
Delhi Police have arrested a 53-year-old man on suspicion of murdering his wife, a 50-year-old teacher, and attempting to flee with over 1.27 million rupees in cash—approximately 54,000 shekels. Investigators stated that the suspect claimed he was influenced by the crime series "The Staircase."
The suspect, Kamal Singh, was apprehended near a train station in the city of Mathura while attempting to board a train. Police seized the cash and a scooter allegedly used during his escape. Authorities noted that in the days leading up to the murder, Singh had withdrawn an additional 700,000 rupees (about 30,000 shekels) from his accounts.
The case came to light on the night of July 30, when the couple’s sons returned to their home in eastern Delhi to find their mother, Komal, deceased. Her body bore multiple stab wounds to the neck and back.
According to police, home security cameras recorded shouting shortly before Singh fled the scene. Footage confirmed that after the couple's children left the house, only the spouses remained inside.
During a search of the residence, investigators recovered a pair of blood-stained scissors. Police claim Singh admitted to purchasing the scissors in advance, indicating that the act was premeditated.
"Singh told investigators that he murdered his wife following a prolonged property dispute. He also claimed that he was influenced by 'The Staircase' and believed that disposing of the murder weapon would hinder the investigation," police officials stated.
"The Staircase" is a 2022 HBO crime drama mini-series based on a true story. The series follows American writer Michael Peterson, whose wife, Kathleen, was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in 2001. Peterson claimed she had fallen, but he became the prime suspect in her murder. The series, which features Colin Firth and Toni Collette, is also based on a French documentary that followed the case for years.
