Nurse’s chilling final ‘I’ll be lifeless by then’ declare earlier than husband knifed her 78 instances
Robert Alexander, 66, was motivated by an obsession with money and determination to stop his wife, Christina Alexander from leaving him when he stabbed her to death
Robert Alexander was found guilty
A “violent” man “obsessed with money” has been found guilty of murder after he stabbed his wife 78 times. Robert Alexander, 66, of Ascot Drive, Tamworth, was convicted today (June 24) of the murder of 60 year old Christina Alexander, a nurse, following a trial at Stafford Crown Court.
Motivated by an obsession with money and a determination to prevent her from leaving, a jury dismissed Alexander’s claims that he acted in self-defence. The couple met through online dating and tied the knot in 2019.
From early on in their relationship, Alexander exhibited controlling and violent behaviour towards Ms Alexander, fuelled by a preoccupation with finances, reports Birmingham Live.
On September 13, 2020, police were called after he put Ms Alexander in a chokehold. Upon arrest, his primary concern was whether she knew his bank card PIN numbers. He was subsequently convicted of battery.
In June 2021, Ms Alexander informed the police that she was living under a constant threat of violence. Despite being employed, she remained financially reliant on the defendant and was afraid she would be homeless if she left him.
By 2025, Ms Alexander had started taking steps to exit the relationship, including seeking legal advice and making financial plans to live independently.
Dashcam footage from her car recorded her telling her sister: “I’ll probably be dead before then.”
In the weeks leading up to the murder, Alexander inflicted harm upon himself on two occasions. Psychiatric experts later determined this was an attempt to manipulate or control Ms Alexander.
Days after being released from hospital following the second incident, Mr Alexander murdered his wife at their residence in the early hours of 23 June 2025.
A forensic pathologist discovered that Ms Alexander had suffered a minimum of 78 stab wounds, including injuries to her face, neck, torso, arms and legs, as well as numerous additional cuts.
Narmina Rafiq from the CPS stated: “This was a complex and challenging prosecution involving detailed psychiatric evidence and conflicting expert opinion about Robert Alexander’s mental state.
“Alexander told different stories to different people and changed his version of events when it suited him. The jury carefully considered all of the evidence and rejected his claims of self-defence and diminished responsibility.
“We were able to demonstrate that his actions were driven by control – both over his wife and over money – and that his self-harm formed part of that pattern, rather than being the result of a serious mental disorder.
“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Christina Alexander.
“She was a nurse who spent her life caring for others, and her loss is deeply felt.
“We hope this outcome provides some measure of justice for her family, particularly her siblings who supported the prosecution throughout.
“This case highlights how controlling and abusive behaviour can escalate and demonstrates that even where complex mental health evidence is considered, individuals will be held accountable where the evidence supports it.”
The CPS collaborated closely with Warwickshire Police to construct a comprehensive picture of a controlling and deteriorating relationship, including Alexander’s actions in the run-up to the murder and immediately afterwards.
In messages to Ms Alexander, he deceived her about his location, falsely claiming to be in hospital when he was actually on his way home.
Dashcam footage from her car captured her returning to the house, oblivious to the fact he was already there.
On the day of the murder, after stabbing, assaulting and strangling Ms Alexander, Alexander made a 999 call in which he calmly informed police he had killed his wife and mentioned issues related to money and control.
He then changed his clothes, took the bins out, and stayed at the property with his dogs.
When police arrived, he again brought up the subject of money and inheritance.
He initially confessed to the murder, later altering his story.
At trial, Alexander alleged Ms Alexander had grabbed a knife first and that he acted in self-defence.
He also contended that depression and autism diminished his culpability.
Medical experts determined he was suffering from no more than mild depression and found no evidence of a mental abnormality.
He will be sentenced at a future date.
