Death sentence for former PC over 2013 bridge murder

The Colombo High Court sentenced a former Police Constable to death today (2) for the brutal 2013 slaying of his girlfriend, who was also a serving Police Constable.

High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli delivered the verdict, stating that the prosecution proved the charges against the defendant, Jayasinghe Mudiyanselage Nilantha Pushpakumara, beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge highlighted that the presence of over 47 severe stab wounds on the victim’s body confirmed the attack was premeditated and intentional.

The incident took place on January 7, 2013, on the pedestrian flyover in front of Sri Lanka Telecom on Lotus Road, Pettah.

The victim, 23-year-old Herath Mudiyanselage Nadishani Madhubhashika Samarasinghe, was intercepted by the defendant during her morning commute.

Following an argument, the defendant used a large knife concealed in his bag to inflict fatal injuries, including a near-decapitation.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that he also attempted to force poison into the victim's mouth before consuming some himself.

Investigations showed that the couple had been in a relationship since 2009 after meeting during police training.

However, the relationship soured due to parental disapproval regarding the defendant’s conduct.

Despite the defendant's claims in court that he was unaware of how the injuries occurred and that he only attempted self-harm due to grief, the judge dismissed the testimony as an attempt to evade justice.

The court issued a fresh warrant for the defendant, who has been evading authorities for several years.

Legal representatives for the victim's family noted that the defendant's initial ability to flee the country was facilitated by a lack of travel restrictions when he was first granted bail.