Moroccan Man Confesses to Killing Pregnant Wife and Son in Spanish Court

Prosecuted for murder and homicide, the defendant defended himself before a popular jury. Contrary to his defense, which had stated in its provisional memorandum that he was unaware of his 28-year-old wife’s pregnancy, also of Moroccan origin, Ali Khouch admitted the opposite. "I knew my wife was pregnant," said the 39-year-old Moroccan, through an interpreter. The defendant is accused of having strangled his wife to death, as well as their minor son on May 16, 2021, reports La Razón.

During the six sessions of the trial that began on January 17, witnesses, experts and members of the victim’s family supported the fact that the woman was 21 weeks pregnant and that her pregnancy was visible. At the hearing on Monday, Ali Khouch was effusive in his apologies: "I ask forgiveness and apologies to the magistrate and to all those who are here today. Inside, I feel devastated by everything I have done." Khouch had been the subject of two complaints for gender-based violence and a restraining order dating back to 2018.

The defense of the accused claims that he acted under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. "I think there is no doubt that on May 16, 2021, when Ali killed his wife and son, he did so under the influence of drugs," argued the Moroccan’s lawyer, who nevertheless criticized the fact that he had not been subjected to a blood and urine test after his arrest. An argument rejected by the public prosecutor, who believes that "being a drug addict is not a blank check to commit crimes".

The prosecutor acknowledges that the accused turned himself in to the national police the day after the crime. But he did not cooperate with justice, giving no details on the circumstances of his act. Thus, the prosecution has requested life imprisonment against him for the murder of his son and 25 years in prison for that of his pregnant wife. The defense has announced that it will request the expulsion of the Moroccan from Spain, once he has served part of his sentence. "He does not deserve to live in our country". The jury will deliver its verdict on Wednesday.