ACT Supreme Court Judge Finds Canberra Man Killed Wife in 2024 Stabbing

An ACT Supreme Court judge has determined that an 88-year-old Canberra man murdered his wife at their home last year, following a special hearing held because the accused was deemed unfit to plead.

Manfred Uhle was charged with murder after his 78-year-old wife, Wanda, was stabbed to death in June 2024 at their residence in the southern suburb of Gordon. Because Uhle was earlier found unfit to enter a plea, Justice Andrew Muller conducted a special hearing to evaluate the case.

Court Ruling and Findings

Justice Muller concluded that the evidence established Uhle's responsibility for the killing beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge found that Uhle repeatedly stabbed his wife with a knife, causing her death, and determined that the physical actions were voluntary.

In his written decision, Justice Muller noted that Uhle's movements were controlled and administered repeatedly. He stated that the accused was conscious during the act and that any impairment to his consciousness was not severe enough to deprive him of the will to act.

Background and Future Proceedings

The couple had been in a relationship for approximately 60 years at the time of the incident. Prior to the fatal stabbing, family members observed that Uhle had been suffering from deteriorating memory loss and episodes of confusion over several months.

Uhle has remained in custody since the day of the murder. Prosecutors argued that the most appropriate course of action is to keep him remanded while the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) conducts an immediate review under mental health legislation. While acknowledging that correctional detention should serve as a last resort, the prosecution noted that no alternative options are currently available.

Justice Muller indicated he would allow both parties time to examine whether Uhle could be released to facilitate an ACAT assessment for a potential mental health order. The case is scheduled to return to court in October.