Rita Odafe
A 31-year-old Ugandan named Filmon Andmichaen has been sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison for murdering his pregnant girlfriend, Liwam Bereket, along with their unborn child.
The sentencing took place for the brutal killing which occurred in a wooded area in Birmingham on August 1, 2022. Andmichaen was given life imprisonment for what the judge described as a “callous and cowardly” act.
During the trial, it was revealed that Andmichaen demanded that Liwam terminate her pregnancy after discovering she was expecting. When she refused, he resorted to violence.
Judge Mr. Justice Choudhury expressed his belief that Andmichaen intended to kill both Liwam and her unborn daughter when he stabbed her in the neck and left her to die in the grass for more than an hour before seeking help.
After nearly three-and-a-half hours of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of murder and child destruction during his second trial, as the first trial was halted due to legal concerns.
Evidence presented indicated that Andmichaen called emergency services nearly an hour and a half after the stabbing, claiming it was an accident. Prosecutors noted that he seemed to prioritize his own situation over Luce’s immediate medical needs.
When found, Liwam was unresponsive with critical injuries, and despite emergency measures, her baby could not be saved. Surveillance footage showed Andmichaen attempting to dispose of evidence rather than immediately contacting authorities.
The court learned that prior to the incident, Andmichaen had pressured Liwam to abort the pregnancy because of his existing marriage, which he had concealed from her. His wife, whom he married after meeting on social media, was unaware of Liwam and believed their relationship was stable.
Throughout the proceedings, an interpreter conveyed the court’s discussions in Tigrinya, reflecting Andmichaen’s background.
Judge Choudhury noted that Andmichaen’s treatment of Liwam was disrespectful and highlighted that he attempted to shift blame onto her during the trial. The judge emphasized that Liwam looked forward to her pregnancy while Andmichaen had shown no remorse.
The judge condemned Andmichaen’s actions, stating that instead of contacting emergency services promptly, he abandoned Liwam in her dying moments because he wanted to silence her.
Ultimately, Andmichaen will serve at least 27 years in prison, with his sentence reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Liwam’s family released a statement expressing their devastation over her loss, remembering her for her kindness and the joy she brought into their lives.
They expressed unresolved grief and questioned the circumstances leading to her death while urging others to remember her as a vibrant individual full of love.
