November 27th 2024.
Liwam Bereket was described as a bright soul, full of life, laughter, and love. Unfortunately, her life was cut short by her partner, Filmon Andmichaen, who took her life and that of her unborn child. Andmichaen, a married man, was sentenced to life in prison for murdering 26-year-old Bereket in a Birmingham woodland on August 1, 2021.
Bereket, who was 27 weeks pregnant at the time, was excited about her pregnancy despite experiencing morning sickness and being in a volatile relationship with Andmichaen. However, Andmichaen did not share her enthusiasm. He already had children with his wife, who had moved from Uganda to live with him after meeting on Facebook in September 2020. He denied being the father of Bereket's baby and demanded a DNA test, insisting on her getting an abortion. Bereket, on the other hand, refused to terminate her pregnancy.
It was during this time that Andmichaen made a chilling decision that would change the course of their lives. According to prosecutor Sandip Patel KC, he saw the life growing inside his girlfriend as a complication that he was unwilling to accept. In his mind, the solution was to take a permanent and drastic measure. This decision was a devastating blow to Bereket's family and friends, who were already worried about Andmichaen's threatening and abusive behavior.
A neighbor even reported seeing Andmichaen punch Bereket in the face a few months before the tragic incident. Their relationship, described as volatile by Judge Mr Justice Choudhury, took a sinister turn. Andmichaen's actions not only ended Bereket's life but also that of her unborn child. Her family remembers her as a beautiful soul full of love and laughter, and they hope she is remembered as such, rather than just a victim.
On the day of the incident, Bereket was planning to visit a friend when Andmichaen picked her up. He then drove her to a woodland off Freeth Street, Ladywood, where he stabbed her in the neck. She was found bleeding and face down in an area of overgrown bushes. Despite emergency efforts, her baby was stillborn through an emergency caesarean section. Andmichaen claimed that the death of Bereket and their child was a terrible accident and not deliberate. However, evidence suggested otherwise.
Andmichaen's actions after the stabbing were also questionable. He took Bereket's phone, preventing her from calling for help, and left her to die for an hour and a half before calling 999. During this time, he was seen on CCTV walking towards a nearby canal with a bag, possibly to dispose of the murder weapon, which was never found. He also returned to the scene with his brother, who urged him to call 999 if he had committed a crime.
When he finally made the call, Andmichaen told the operator that he had killed his girlfriend by mistake and attempted to kill himself. He also asked for officers to go to his address, where he would lead them to Bereket's body. However, as Mr Patel pointed out, he must have known that time was of the essence and that her condition was perilous. He showed no urgency in seeking medical help, and his actions suggest that he was trying to cover up his crime.
During the trial, Mr Patel told the court that Bereket did not die instantly and showed signs of life for two hours after being stabbed, but Andmichaen did not call for help. He also added that Andmichaen's decision to take her phone was to prevent her from seeking help, which could have saved her life. The prosecution believed that Andmichaen knew his actions would result in the death of both Bereket and their unborn child. He also disposed of the murder weapon, which would have had his DNA and Bereket's blood on it.
The jury took less than three and a half hours to reach a unanimous guilty verdict, convicting Andmichaen of both murder and child destruction. Judge Choudhury had no doubt that Andmichaen had intended to end Bereket's life and that of her unborn child. He described Andmichaen's actions as callous and cowardly and sentenced him to life in prison with a minimum of 27 years, taking into account the 482 days he had already spent in custody.
This was Andmichaen's second trial, as the first one collapsed in March due to issues surrounding the child destruction charge. However, the Court of Appeal resolved the issue, and it remained on the indictment for the second trial. Detective Chief Inspector Jim Colclough, who led the investigation, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of a young woman who was looking forward to becoming a mother. He also hopes that the verdict brings some peace to Bereket's family, knowing that the person responsible for their daughter's and sister's death will serve many years in prison.
He also addressed the issue of violence against women and girls, stating that it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. He assured the community that they will continue working with their partners to ensure that everyone feels safe in the West Midlands.
In a statement read in court, Bereket's family expressed their devastation over the loss of their daughter and sister. They described her as a beautiful soul who brought joy, love, and light into their lives. They also mentioned that they are haunted by the question of why Andmichaen did such a terrible thing. They urged people to remember Bereket not just as a victim but as a person who loved and was loved. They miss her dearly every single day and are forever changed by her tragic death.
In conclusion, Andmichaen's actions have caused immeasurable pain to Bereket's family and friends, and nothing can bring her back. The judge's words resonate with the reality of the situation, as he states that Andmichaen not only destroyed the lives of a woman and her unborn child but also their family's. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking justice for the victims.
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