Graphic designer admits killing husband during argument

A woman who killed her husband by throwing a knife at his chest during a "mundane domestic argument" because he got home late – at 8pm – has been sentenced to 9 years jail.

Katie Anne Castel had originally been charged with murder after her husband Jarred Castel’s death at their Chapel Hill home, five days before Christmas in 2017.

This morning the 38-year-old pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

The court heart Mrs Castel was “angry and annoyed” when she threw a computer at her husband while they were in the kitchen. 

She then grabbed a large knife from the knife block and threw it at him – Jarred was sitting on the other side of the kitchen bench.  

The knife pierced his heart and he began bleeding.  His wife called an ambulance.  All of this unfolded in front of their four-year-old son. 

The court heard of the devastating impact of Jarred’s death on his family through victim impact statements from his father, brother and sister.

Jarred’s sister told the court that Katie had been "psychologically abusing" Jarred and that her "temper and condescending manner" meant Jarred became isolated from everyone.  

Justice Jean Dalton said “it was extraordinary violence out of all proportion to the mundane argument you were having” and that Jarred should have felt safe in his own home.

Justice Dalton did not make any recommendation about parole eligibility.

The family of Jarred’s son has set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for his school fees.

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