Rafael Robb

Rafael Robb, a former professor of game theory at the University of Pennsylvania, beat his wife Ellen to death on December 22, 2006. His sentencing has been postponed pending a review of his wife's psychiatric records.

Fast Facts

1. Age: 57
2. Wife: Ellen Robb
3. Daughter: Olivia
4. Native country: Israel
5. Academic discipline: Economics
6. Charge: First degree murder
7. Plea: Voluntary manslaughter

The Crime

According to Rafael Robb, he "lost it" during an argument with Ellen Robb over their Christmas plans. Robb used a chin-up bar to beat her to death. He then called the police and said he had come home to find his wife murdered. The beating was so severe that investigators initially thought she had suffered a gunshot wound. Prosecutors report that Ellen had told Olivia that she was going to file for divorce, and that she expected to get a large financial settlement in the case. She also told friends Rafael was hiding money in overseas accounts, that he had a history of domestic violence, and that if she were murdered he would be the prime suspect. Prosecutors alleged Rafael murdered Ellen due to her desire for a divorce.

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