A former police officer from London, England, has been found guilty of murdering his American wife in Warner Robins, Georgia, in November 2023.
Prosecutors say 57-year-old Brian McManus killed his wife, Lucille McManus, by bludgeoning her with a rubber mallet and then staged her death to look like a suicide. His aim, authorities believe, was to avoid deportation and maintain his green card status.
The Murder and the Cover-Up
The murder took place at the couple’s home in Warner Robins, about 100 miles south of Atlanta. McManus claimed that he found his wife dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, investigators quickly uncovered inconsistencies in his story.
There were no firearms or shell casings found at the scene, casting doubt on his claim. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Lucille McManus had been bludgeoned multiple times in the head.
Security footage played a crucial role in the investigation. It showed McManus walking his dog on the day of the murder, carrying a bag that police believed contained the mallet used to kill his wife. The footage also revealed McManus returning home without the bag, further incriminating him.
Motive for the Murder
Prosecutors argued that McManus killed his wife to prevent her from revealing that their marriage was arranged solely to secure his green card. Several witnesses testified that the couple had only met months earlier on Tinder, and the marriage appeared to be a scheme to allow McManus to stay in the United States.
In addition to the green card motive, McManus was reportedly planning to run away with a secret girlfriend in Florida after the murder.
Investigative Findings
Upon further questioning, McManus’ behavior raised additional suspicions. He had fresh scratches on his arm, which he couldn’t explain. He also admitted to changing his clothes and washing the ones he wore during the crime before law enforcement arrived.
During the investigation, it was revealed that McManus had stashed a large sum of money in his car, possibly planning to flee with the cash before his arrest.
Past History and Previous Marriage
This was not McManus’ first failed marriage. Before relocating to Georgia, McManus was married to a woman in Idaho, who divorced him following an alleged domestic violence incident. His history of troubled relationships added to the case against him.
Trial and Conviction
McManus was convicted by a Houston County jury after a six-day trial, which included compelling evidence, such as security footage, forensic analysis, and testimony from multiple witnesses. On Saturday, McManus was found guilty of first-degree murder, and his sentencing was scheduled for Wednesday.
