A cold-blooded killer has been locked up for life after smothering his “kind” ex-girlfriend with tape – then trying to make a run for it.
Brutal Murder Rocks Hampshire
Norbert Maiksner, 49, strangled Frances Obiefuleh, 45, by wrapping tape tightly over her face inside her Havant home on the night of April 16 last year.
But his escape plan fell apart fast. The next morning, police spotted him roaming the M40 near High Wycombe. When stopped, Maiksner shocked officers by confessing he had killed Frances – and even gave them her address.
Life Behind Bars for Monster
At Portsmouth Crown Court, Maiksner was found guilty of murder and child cruelty. He’s now serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years and 22 days, factoring in time already served.
The court heard chilling details of how Maiksner suffocated Frances, confirmed by a post-mortem showing death by smothering.
Fight for Life Caught in DNA Evidence
Terrifying DNA results revealed Frances fought desperately to survive. Scratches on Maiksner matched wounds she inflicted during a frantic struggle.
- Neighbours reported loud banging from the house at around 10pm.
- CCTV captured Maiksner’s movements before and after the savage attack.
Abuse, Silence, and Heartbreak
Despite his roadside confession, Maiksner stayed silent during police interviews. Frances had previously reported his verbal abuse to a man she met on a dating app.
Jane Rahman, Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Frances Obiefuleh’s life was taken in the place she should have felt safest – her own home. A family has now been left heartbroken following a senseless act of violence at the hands of her ex-partner. We will continue to pursue the most serious charges in cases of domestic homicide to secure justice for victims.”
Family Mourns “Devoted Mother”
Frances’ family painted a picture of a “kind, intelligent, and resourceful” woman taken too soon.
They said: “Someone we love has been cruelly taken from us, and it has changed our lives forever. We have lost a truly beautiful soul.”
