A dad has pleaded guilty to murdering his family at their home last year. Saju Chelavalel admitted to three counts of murder relating to his wife and two children after they were found with serious injuries.
The 52-year-old, who was remanded in custody, spoke through a Malayalam interpreter and admitted to being responsible for the deaths of health worker Anju Asok, 35, Jeeva Saju, six, and Janvi Saju, four, while in court on Wednesday, April 5.
All three of the victims were discovered at a property in Petherton Court, Kettering, on December 15 last year. Ms Asok died at the scene, while the two children died later in hospital.
At Northampton Crown Court, Chelavalel, of Petherton Court, was heard saying: "I don’t know what happened to the children, but I plead guilty", when asked how he pleaded to the murder of Jeeva.
Judge David Herbert KC adjourned sentencing until July 3. He said: “There can only be one sentence in law, namely a life sentence, but the judge dealing with your case on that day will have to set the appropriate minimum term. In the meantime, you will be remanded in custody.”
An inquest into all three deaths heard evidence of how it is believed the Chelavalel's children had been strangled. An earlier hearing was told that a forensic post-mortem at Leicester Royal Infirmary concluded that all three victims died of asphyxiation. However, the coroner said that the medical cause of death for the children had been listed as strangulation.
In a statement issued after the case, senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Simon Barnes, said: “This was an absolutely tragic case and there are no words to articulate the devastation Saju Chelavalel caused when he chose to end the lives of Anju, Jeeva and Janvi.
“I am pleased that he has pleaded guilty and spared Anju’s family and friends the pain of a trial. He will have to live with what he has done forever and I hope one day, he truly comprehends the pain his actions have caused.
“Anju Asok will be remembered as so much more than this man’s victim. She was a dedicated nurse, loving mother, and loyal friend. My thoughts remain with her loved ones and will continue to do so long into the future.”
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