Rwandan refugee pleads guilty to murder of common law spouse in Windsor

A Rwandan immigrant has pled guilty in the murder of his common-law wife.

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A Rwandan refugee has pled guilty to murder of his common-law spouse.

Ramadhan Nizigiyimana, 33, was out on bail and under a court-order to stay away from his spouse at the time of her murder in October 2021.

On Oct. 3, 2021, court learned Nizigiyimana “forced his way” into a home on Elliott Street West during a party attended by other members of Windsor’s refugee community.

According to an Agreed Statement of Facts (ASF) read by Assistant Crown Attorney Jayme Lesperance, Nizigiyimana entered the home by “kicking the front door open.”

Nizigiyimana, Lesperance said, walked right over to his spouse and stabbed her multiple times while other people watched in shock.

Court learned Nizigiyimana’s stepdaughter was in the home at the time and there were children playing in the backyard.

The host of the party tried to restrain Nizigiyimana, but he ended up getting a minor cut to his finger.

Nizigiyimana left the home but was arrested a short time later outside by Windsor police.

An autopsy found the woman had been stabbed five times, including to her chest, left buttock, abdomen and forearm while the fatal wound was to her heart.

History of mental health and IPV

Less than four months before the woman’s death, Nizigiyimana had been arrested for “allegations of assault and uttering a threat” to her.

When in custody on June 28, 2021, Lesperance said Nizigiyimana was displaying “erratic and concerning behaviour” in cells, so we he was taken to the hospital.

He was treated and returned to police, only to be sent back for psychiatric assessment the next day.

According to the ASF, during a court appearance, a judge ruled Nizigiyimana needed a more detailed mental health assessment because they feared he posed a danger to himself or others.

Nizigiyimana would be released by the hospital, and ultimately police after “many days” in psychiatric care.

He was let out on bail on the condition he stay away from his common-law spouse, her child from a previous relationship, and not possess any weapons.

Interpreter required

Nizigiyimana requires a Kirundi interpreter for his court proceedings.

He will face a sentencing hearing on Friday, July 11.