The murder of a husband by his wife: A Psychological, Sociocultural, and Empathic Analysis of Wives Who Murder Their Husbands

The murder of a husband by his wife is a rare but profoundly unsettling crime that challenges societal norms about gender, marriage, and violence. While intimate partner homicide is often associated with male perpetrators, cases of women killing their husbands reveal complex psychological, cultural, and relational dynamics. Psychological imbalances such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), psychopathy, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and situational mental health crises can drive these acts, often amplified by societal pressures and relational triggers. Additionally, the empathic traits of husbands—characterized by high emotional sensitivity, compassion, and a tendency to prioritize others’ needs—can shape relationship dynamics, either mitigating or exacerbating tensions that lead to such extreme outcomes. This article provides an in-depth analysis of these crimes, examines recent and hypothetical cases in India and abroad, and draws on psychological studies, criminological theories, and sociocultural insights to offer a nuanced understanding of this phenomenon, with a focus on the role of empathic husbands.

1. Introduction: The Hidden Dynamics of Intimate Partner Homicide

Intimate partner homicide, where one spouse kills another, is a small but significant subset of violent crimes globally. In India, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 220 cases of husbands murdered by wives in 2022, compared to 270 wives killed by husbands, indicating that female-perpetrated spousal homicide is less common but not negligible (NCRB, 2022). In Western countries, women account for 10-15% of intimate partner homicide perpetrators (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2019). These cases often garner intense media attention due to their rarity and the violation of gendered expectations, which cast women as nurturing and non-violent.

Beneath the sensationalized narratives lie intricate psychological and relational dynamics. Conditions like narcissism, psychopathy, BPD, and situational mental health crises can drive women to commit such acts, often triggered by infidelity, abuse, or societal constraints. The empathic traits of husbands—such as emotional attunement, self-sacrifice, or conflict avoidance—can further complicate these dynamics, either de-escalating tensions or enabling toxic behaviors in their wives. This article explores these factors, analyzes recent and hypothetical cases, and integrates empirical research, psychological theories, and sociocultural perspectives to illuminate the role of empathic husbands in these tragedies and propose preventive measures.

2. Psychological Imbalances and Their Role in Homicide

2.1 Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is defined by grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals with NPD are hypersensitive to perceived threats to their self-image, a phenomenon termed narcissistic injury (Kernberg, 1975). In spousal homicide, a narcissistic wife might kill her husband to avoid the shame of rejection or loss of control.

• Mechanism in Homicide: Narcissistic rage, as described by Kohut (1972), can escalate to violence when the individual’s ego is challenged. A wife with NPD might perceive her husband’s actions—such as infidelity or criticism—as an intolerable attack, prompting a lethal response (Ronningstam, 2005).
• Behavioral Indicators: Pre-crime, narcissists may exhibit manipulation, entitlement, or dominance. Post-crime, they may deflect blame or show superficial remorse to preserve their image (Bushman & Baumeister, 1998).
• Prevalence: NPD affects 0.5-5% of the population, with higher rates in clinical settings (Ronningstam, 2005).

2.2 Psychopathy

Psychopathy is characterized by impulsivity, lack of remorse, superficial charm, and manipulativeness (Hare, 1993). Psychopaths act out of pragmatism or thrill-seeking, often with meticulous planning. A psychopathic wife might kill for financial gain or to eliminate an obstacle.

• Mechanism in Homicide: Psychopaths lack empathy, viewing murder as a practical solution. Their planning and deception enable precise execution (Meloy, 1988).
• Behavioral Indicators: Pre-crime, they display deceit or charm; post-crime, they show no guilt and attempt cover-ups (Hare, 2003).
• Prevalence: Psychopathy affects 1-2% of the population but is overrepresented in violent crimes (Hare, 1993).

2.3 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD is marked by emotional instability, fear of abandonment, and impulsivity (Gunderson, 2001). In extreme cases, BPD individuals may resort to violence during emotional crises.

• Mechanism in Homicide: BPD-driven homicides are impulsive, arising from intense pain or rage, often triggered by perceived rejection (Clarkin et al., 2007).
• Behavioral Indicators: Pre-crime, they show volatility or clinginess; post-crime, they may express remorse or confusion (Linehan, 1993).
• Prevalence: BPD affects 1-6% of the population, with higher rates in abusive relationships (Gunderson, 2001).

2.4 Situational Mental Health Crises

Situational factors, such as prolonged abuse or untreated depression, can precipitate violence without a formal diagnosis. A wife enduring domestic violence may kill in desperation (Walker, 1984).

• Mechanism in Homicide: Chronic stress erodes coping mechanisms, leading to impulsive or defensive violence (Suman, 2015).
• Behavioral Indicators: Pre-crime, signs include withdrawal or anxiety; post-crime, perpetrators may show relief or guilt (Herman, 1992).
• Prevalence: 30-40% of female homicide offenders cite abuse as a motive (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2019).

2.5 Malignant Narcissism

Malignant narcissism combines NPD with antisocial, paranoid, and sadistic traits (Kernberg, 1984). These individuals may derive pleasure from harm, making them capable of calculated cruelty.

• Mechanism in Homicide: Malignant narcissists kill to dominate or punish, often with sadistic elements (Pollock, 1978).
• Behavioral Indicators: Pre-crime, they exhibit paranoia or aggression; post-crime, they show detachment or pride (Kernberg, 1992).
• Prevalence: Rare but linked to extreme violence (Kernberg, 1984).

3. The Role of Empathic Husbands in Relationship Dynamics

Empathy, the ability to understand and share others’ emotions, is a trait associated with compassion, emotional attunement, and self-sacrifice (Davis, 1983). Empathic husbands often prioritize their partner’s needs, avoid conflict, and absorb emotional distress to maintain harmony. While these traits can foster healthy relationships, they can also create vulnerabilities in dysfunctional dynamics, particularly when paired with a wife exhibiting psychological imbalances.

• Behavioral Characteristics:
  • Emotional Sensitivity: Empathic husbands are highly attuned to their wife’s emotions, often sensing distress or anger before it escalates (Baron-Cohen, 2003).
  • Conflict Avoidance: They may suppress their own needs to appease their partner, avoiding confrontations that could trigger violence (Goleman, 1995).
  • Self-Sacrifice: Empaths often prioritize their wife’s well-being, tolerating manipulative or abusive behaviors to preserve the relationship (Orloff, 2017).
  • Enabling Behavior: By absorbing emotional abuse or excusing toxic behaviors, empathic husbands may inadvertently enable narcissistic or psychopathic traits in their wives (Brown, 2019).
• Impact on Homicide Risk:
  • Amplifying Tensions: An empathic husband’s tendency to avoid conflict can allow a wife’s psychological imbalances to fester unchecked. For example, a narcissistic wife may exploit an empath’s tolerance, escalating her entitlement or rage (Kernberg, 1975).
  • De-escalation Potential: Conversely, an empath’s emotional attunement can defuse volatile situations, particularly with BPD-driven wives, by validating their emotions (Linehan, 1993).
  • Vulnerability to Manipulation: Psychopathic or malignant narcissistic wives may target empathic husbands, exploiting their trust and compassion to mask their motives (Hare, 1993).
• Empathy in Context: Research suggests that empathic individuals are more likely to stay in toxic relationships due to their belief in change or fear of hurting their partner (Orloff, 2017). A 2018 study found that highly empathic partners are at greater risk of emotional burnout in relationships with personality-disordered individuals (Brown et al., 2018).

4. Analytical Framework for Case Studies

The following framework analyzes cases of husbands murdered by wives, incorporating the role of empathic husbands:

1. Psychological Profile: Assessing the wife’s potential for NPD, psychopathy, BPD, or situational crises.
2. Husband’s Empathic Traits: Evaluating the husband’s empathy and its impact on relationship dynamics (e.g., enabling, de-escalation, or vulnerability).
3. Motivations and Triggers: Identifying motives (e.g., infidelity, financial gain) and triggers (e.g., rejection, conflict).
4. Contextual Factors: Examining cultural, societal, and relational dynamics, such as divorce stigma or domestic violence.
5. Behavioral Indicators: Analyzing pre- and post-crime behaviors for signs of psychological imbalances or empathic responses.
6. Method and Aftermath: Evaluating the murder method and the wife’s response to infer mental state.

This framework integrates psychological theories (Kernberg, 1975; Hare, 1993), empathy research (Davis, 1983; Orloff, 2017), and feminist criminology (Heidensohn, 2000).

5. Case Studies: Recent and Hypothetical Cases

Given the limited availability of detailed 2025 cases (as of June 26, 2025), this section includes documented cases and a hypothetical scenario based on trends. Each case examines the role of empathic husbands.

5.1 Sonam Raghuvanshi Case (Meghalaya, India, June 2025)

• Details: Sonam Raghuvanshi, 25, allegedly orchestrated the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, during their honeymoon. Married on May 11, 2025, they went missing on May 23. Raja’s body was found in a gorge on June 2, with machete wounds. Sonam surrendered, confessing to hiring hitmen with her lover, Raj Kushwaha (India Today, 2025).
• Psychological Analysis:
  • Psychopathy: The premeditated crime suggests psychopathic traits: detachment, manipulativeness, and lack of empathy (Hare, 1993). Sonam’s facade aligns with superficial charm.
  • Narcissism: Entitlement to her lover or fear of social shame could indicate narcissistic traits (Ronningstam, 2005).
• Empathic Husband: Reports suggest Raja was a compassionate, accommodating partner, often deferring to Sonam’s wishes. His empathic nature may have blinded him to her affair and planning, enabling her manipulation (Orloff, 2017).
• Motivations: The affair indicates a desire to eliminate Raja for personal freedom.
• Contextual Factors: India’s divorce stigma may have made murder seem viable (Bajpai, 2025).
• Behavioral Indicators: Sonam’s collaboration with hitmen and lack of remorse suggest psychopathy. Raja’s trust reflects empathic vulnerability.
• Method and Aftermath: The hired killers and cover-up indicate calculation. Raja’s empathic trust likely delayed suspicion.

5.2 Radhika Lokhande Case (Sangli, Maharashtra, India, June 2025)

• Details: Radhika Lokhande, 27, killed her husband, Anil Lokhande, 54, with an axe three weeks after their May 23, 2025, wedding. The murder occurred on June 10 during a dispute. Radhika confessed to her cousin (Times of India, 2025).
• Psychological Analysis:
  • BPD or Emotional Dysregulation: The impulsive act suggests emotional volatility, possibly BPD (Gunderson, 2001).
  • Absence of Psychopathy: Lack of planning rules out psychopathy (Hare, 1993).
• Empathic Husband: Anil was described as a gentle, supportive partner, absorbing Radhika’s frustrations to maintain peace. His conflict avoidance may have allowed her emotional distress to escalate unchecked (Goleman, 1995).
• Motivations: Family discord and an age gap suggest relational strain.
• Contextual Factors: Arranged marriage pressures and limited mental health access amplified tensions (Suman, 2015).
• Behavioral Indicators: Radhika’s confession indicates remorse, consistent with BPD. Anil’s empathy may have delayed intervention.
• Method and Aftermath: The impulsive method and confession suggest a situational crisis, exacerbated by Anil’s enabling empathy.

5.3 Muskan Rastogi Case (Meerut, India, March 2025)

• Details: Muskan Rastogi allegedly murdered her husband, Saurabh Rajput, with her lover, Sahil Shukla. Saurabh’s dismembered body was found in a cement-filled drum, linked to Muskan’s affair (India Today, 2025).
• Psychological Analysis:
  • Psychopathy: The gruesome method and cover-up suggest detachment and calculation (Meloy, 1988).
  • Narcissism: Entitlement to her affair could indicate narcissistic traits (Kernberg, 1975).
• Empathic Husband: Saurabh was reportedly a devoted husband, often prioritizing Muskan’s happiness. His empathy may have masked her affair, enabling her planning (Brown, 2019).
• Motivations: The affair suggests a desire for freedom.
• Contextual Factors: Divorce stigma influenced Muskan’s choice to kill (Bajpai, 2025).
• Behavioral Indicators: Muskan’s cover-up and lack of remorse suggest psychopathy. Saurabh’s trust reflects empathic vulnerability.
• Method and Aftermath: The methodical disposal indicates planning, facilitated by Saurabh’s empathic blindness.

5.4 Sarah Boone Case (Florida, USA, 2020)

• Details: Sarah Boone, 42, was convicted in October 2024 for murdering her boyfriend, Jorge Torres, by zipping him into a suitcase, leaving him to suffocate. Videos showed Boone taunting Torres. She claimed it was an accident (NBC News, 2024).
• Psychological Analysis:
  • Psychopathy: Boone’s taunting suggests lack of empathy and sadism (Hare, 1993).
  • Malignant Narcissism: Her control and blame deflection indicate malignant narcissism (Kernberg, 1984).
• Empathic Husband: Jorge was described as emotionally supportive, often tolerating Boone’s volatile behavior to avoid conflict. His empathy may have enabled her escalating cruelty (Orloff, 2017).
• Motivations: Control and punishment, possibly triggered by relational conflict.
• Contextual Factors: Domestic violence dynamics contributed, but Boone’s calculation undermines a reactive motive.
• Behavioral Indicators: Boone’s sadism and denial suggest psychopathy. Jorge’s tolerance reflects empathic enabling.
• Method and Aftermath: The cruel method and taunting indicate premeditation, facilitated by Jorge’s empathy.

5.5 Hypothetical Case: Priya Sharma (Mumbai, India, 2025)

• Details: Priya Sharma, 32, a corporate executive, poisons her husband, Vikram Sharma, 35, after discovering his infidelity. Married for seven years, Priya laces his food with cyanide, staging a heart attack. She is exposed by forensic evidence.
• Psychological Analysis:
  • Psychopathy: The calculated poisoning suggests psychopathic traits (Hare, 1993).
  • Narcissism: Infidelity triggered narcissistic rage (Kohut, 1972).
• Empathic Husband: Vikram was a compassionate partner, often apologizing to appease Priya’s demands. His empathy masked her growing resentment, enabling her planning (Brown, 2019).
• Motivations: Revenge and status preservation.
• Contextual Factors: Urban pressures and divorce stigma amplified Priya’s shame (Kumar, 2025).
• Behavioral Indicators: Priya’s cover-up suggests psychopathy; Vikram’s appeasement reflects empathic vulnerability.
• Method and Aftermath: Poisoning indicates premeditation, facilitated by Vikram’s trust.

6. Psychological Studies and Theories

6.1 Narcissism and Violence

• Kernberg’s Pathological Narcissism: Otto Kernberg (1975) links narcissistic rage to violence when ego threats occur (Kernberg, 1970).
• Kohut’s Narcissistic Rage: Heinz Kohut (1972) describes disproportionate anger in narcissists, escalating to homicide in extreme cases (Kohut, 1972).
• Empirical Evidence: Freis et al. (2015) found vulnerable narcissists prone to rage, increasing violence risk (Freis et al., 2015).

6.2 Psychopathy and Homicide

• Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist: Robert Hare’s PCL-R (2003) identifies traits predicting violent behavior (Hare, 1993).
• Meloy’s Predatory Violence: J. Reid Meloy (1988) links psychopathy to predatory violence (Meloy, 1988).
• Recent Research: A 2024 study highlights psychopathy’s role in calculated homicide (ResearchGate, 2024).

6.3 BPD and Impulsive Violence

• Gunderson’s BPD Framework: John Gunderson (2001) notes BPD’s link to impulsive aggression (Gunderson, 2001).
• Linehan’s DBT Model: Marsha Linehan (1993) emphasizes BPD violence stems from abandonment fears (Linehan, 1993).
• Empirical Support: Newhill et al. (2009) found BPD patients at higher risk for violence in romantic contexts.

6.4 Situational and Trauma-Based Violence

• Walker’s Battered Woman Syndrome: Lenore Walker (1984) describes defensive homicide in abused women (Walker, 1984).
• Herman’s Trauma Theory: Judith Herman (1992) links trauma to violent outbursts (Herman, 1992).

6.5 Empathy and Relationship Dynamics

• Davis’s Empathy Scale: Mark Davis (1983) defines empathy as emotional and cognitive attunement, influencing relationship stability (Davis, 1983).
• Orloff’s Empath Dynamics: Judith Orloff (2017) notes empaths’ vulnerability to manipulation in toxic relationships (Orloff, 2017).
• Empirical Evidence: Brown et al. (2018) found empathic partners at risk of burnout with personality-disordered individuals (Brown et al., 2018).

6.6 Feminist and Criminological Perspectives

• Heidensohn’s Double Deviance: Frances Heidensohn (2000) explains harsher judgment of female perpetrators (Heidensohn, 2000).
• Chesney-Lind’s Gendered Pathways: Meda Chesney-Lind (2006) links women’s crimes to trauma (Chesney-Lind, 2006).

7. Sociocultural Contexts

7.1 India: Stigma, Patriarchy, and Empathic Husbands

India’s cultural landscape amplifies spousal homicide risks. Divorce stigma pushes women toward extreme solutions (Bajpai, 2025). Arranged marriages limit agency, escalating tensions (Suman, 2015). Empathic husbands, common in traditional setups, may absorb conflicts to uphold family honor, enabling toxic behaviors (Orloff, 2017).

• Gender Norms: Women face pressure to maintain marriage, while empathic husbands are expected to be stoic providers, masking relational issues (Kumar, 2025).
• Mental Health Gaps: Limited mental health access leaves disorders undiagnosed (Suman, 2015).
• Media Sensationalism: Terms like “killer brides” reflect double deviance, obscuring empathic husbands’ roles (Heidensohn, 2000).

7.2 Abroad: Legal Systems and Empathy

Western legal systems handle homicide efficiently, with evidence like videos ensuring convictions (NBC News, 2024). Domestic violence is a key factor, with empathic husbands often tolerating abuse to avoid escalation (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2019).

• Feminist Critiques: Women’s violence is often defensive, shaped by trauma (Chesney-Lind, 2006).
• Empathy Dynamics: Empathic husbands may enable manipulative partners, increasing risks (Brown, 2019).

8. Comparative Analysis

• Psychopathy vs. Narcissism: Sonam, Muskan, and Priya show psychopathic calculation, with narcissism fueling entitlement. Boone’s sadism suggests malignant narcissism. Radhika’s impulsivity aligns with BPD.
• Empathic Husbands: Raja, Saurabh, Vikram, and Jorge’s empathy enabled manipulation, while Anil’s conflict avoidance exacerbated Radhika’s distress.
• Motivations: Affairs (Sonam, Muskan, Priya) reflect freedom-seeking; Boone’s case suggests control.
• Cultural Influence: India’s divorce stigma and patriarchy amplify desperation, while Western abuse-driven homicides highlight empathic enabling.

9. Broader Implications and Prevention

9.1 Psychological Interventions

• Screening: Tools like Hare’s PCL-R and Gunderson’s BPD criteria can identify risks (Hare, 2003; Gunderson, 2001).
• Therapy: DBT for BPD and schema-focused therapy for NPD are effective (Linehan, 1993; Giesson-Bloo et al., 2006).
• Empath Support: Counseling for empathic husbands can teach boundary-setting to prevent enabling (Orloff, 2017).

9.2 Societal Reforms

• Destigmatizing Divorce: Legal reforms in India can offer alternatives to murder (Kumar, 2025).
• Gender Equality: Challenging patriarchy reduces relational tensions (Suman, 2015).
• Media Responsibility: Balanced reporting can highlight empathic dynamics (Heidensohn, 2000).

9.3 Legal and Policy Measures

• Strengthening Laws: India’s cruelty laws need reform to protect both spouses (Kaur & Narula, 2024).
• Forensic Profiling: Enhanced profiling can identify psychopathic traits (ResearchGate, 2024).
• Victim Support: Shelters and counseling can prevent defensive homicides (Walker, 1984).

9.4 Community and Education

• Awareness: Campaigns on mental health and empathy can reduce stigma (Suman, 2015).
• Conflict Resolution: Teaching emotional regulation, especially for empaths, prevents escalations (Malhotra, 2025).

10. Conclusion

The murder of husbands by wives is driven by psychological imbalances, societal pressures, and relational dynamics, with empathic husbands playing a pivotal role. Cases like Sonam Raghuvanshi and Muskan Rastogi highlight psychopathic calculation, while Radhika Lokhande’s act suggests BPD-driven impulsivity. Sarah Boone’s sadism reflects malignant narcissism, and Priya Sharma’s hypothetical case illustrates urban pressures. Empathic husbands, like Raja, Anil, Saurabh, Jorge, and Vikram, often enable toxic behaviors through trust or conflict avoidance, amplifying risks. Psychological theories, empathy research, and cultural insights provide frameworks to understand these tragedies. Prevention requires psychological interventions, societal reforms, legal protections, and support for empathic individuals. By addressing these dynamics, society can ensure trust in marriage does not turn lethal.

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• India Today. (2025, June 11). Blood on sindoor: Why Indian marriages are turning deadly.
• Times of India. (2025, June 18). When women kill: Inside the minds of India’s killer brides.
• NBC News. (2024, October). Sarah Boone convicted of murdering boyfriend in suitcase death. Retrieved from nbcnews.com.

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• Bajpai, G. S. (2025). Interview on spousal homicide trends. Times of India.
• Brown, S. L. (2019). Empaths and narcissists: The dangerous attraction. Psychology Today.
• Kaur, M., & Narula, G. (2024). Cruelty against husband in India: A socio-legal analysis. ResearchGate.
• Kumar, R. (2025). Divorce reform and women’s agency in India. Economic and Political Weekly.
• Malhotra, S. (2025). Emotional regulation in preventing domestic violence. Times of India.
• Pollock, G. H. (1978). On the nature of malignant narcissism. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 59, 347–355.