Husband Stabs Wife to Death After Jealous Rage Over ‘Imaginary Affair’
Wilfred Jacob called police just before 2.45pm on 19 August 2019, claiming his wife, 41-year-old Linda Vilika, was not moving at their home in Great Saling.
On the call, he admitted Linda had threatened him with a knife, and he had pushed her, causing her to fall. Jacob also claimed to have had an “epileptic aura” and could not remember what happened next.
Found Slumped with Knife at the Scene
Officers forced their way inside and found Linda slumped against a sofa, covered by a duvet. A 20cm carving knife—later identified as the murder weapon—was at the scene. The bent knife blade had snapped off at the handle. Linda had been stabbed twice in the back.
Jealous Husband’s Dark Obsession Leads to Murder
Jacob, 43, was arrested and charged with murder. Prosecutors revealed he had become obsessed with the idea Linda was cheating on him, convinced she was seeing an ex-partner from Zimbabwe—despite that relationship ending 20 years ago.
Jacob’s jealousy turned controlling and abusive. He sent Linda countless threatening messages and manipulated the day so her brother, who lived with them, would be out—leaving the couple alone.
On the day of the attack, Linda told her brother their marriage was over and she planned to speak to Jacob about it. Furious over the breakup, Jacob launched a violent assault, stabbing her repeatedly in the back.
Guilty Verdict and Life Sentence Awaits
Jacob denied the charge but was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday, 12 January. He is due to be sentenced tomorrow.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings said: “This was a horrific, brutal attack on a woman trying to free herself from a jealous and controlling husband. Jacob made sure he’d be alone with Linda for hours. When she told him their marriage was over, he attacked her with such force the knife broke.”
“Jacob is a dangerous individual who now faces a life sentence. Essex is a safer place for it.”
