Fatal Domestic Dispute In Lira-City: Former Spouse Fatally Kills Woman With Hoe Handle In Heart-Wrenching Confrontation

In a shocking incident that unfolded on the afternoon of February 5th, 2024, the Lira-City West Division Police received a distress call reporting a suspected murder in the Areco cell of Amuca ward. The victim, identified as Adoch Evaline, 39 years old, was allegedly killed by her estranged husband, Odongo Patrick, aged 42, during a confrontation.

The case was brought to the attention of the authorities by Okello Ataha Denis, a 35-year-old boda-boda rider and resident of the same area. According to Okello, the tragic incident occurred at approximately 12:30 PM.

The deceased and the suspect were identified as former spouses who had separated a year ago due to domestic issues. Adoch had moved back to her parents’ home in the company of their five children. Recent events unfolded when Odongo Patrick, residing in Adyel-Omwodo village, OT-Kwac parish, Alito Sub-County in Kole District, followed Adoch and their children on February 3rd, 2024, urging her to return home. Adoch reportedly declined the request.

Tensions escalated on February 5th, when the parents of the deceased called for a meeting in an attempt to resolve the ongoing disputes between the couple. Unfortunately, the meeting ended in failure, culminating in a violent confrontation. It is reported that Odongo Patrick, in the heat of the argument, grabbed a hoe handle and fatally struck Adoch on the head, leading to her immediate death.

Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, with a team from Lira-City West Division Police Station, led by the Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigations Department (OC CID), arriving along with the homicide team and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO). The lifeless body of Adoch Evaline was discovered in a pool of blood, and her remains were subsequently transported to the Lira Regional Referral Hospital’s Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.

The case has been officially registered as murder at Lira-City West Division under the reference CRB:135/2024. Intensive efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the suspect, Odongo Patrick. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.

In a statement, SP Patrick Okema, the Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Region, emphasized the importance of cooperation from the community. He urged the suspect, Odongo Patrick, to surrender himself to the nearest police facility for statement recording to aid in the investigative process.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the urgent need for addressing domestic disputes and ensuring the safety of individuals involved. The local authorities are committed to bringing justice to the grieving family and holding the perpetrator accountable for this senseless act of violence.