At a Glance
- Malang Jan Akbari, 46, confessed to stabbing his wife to death on January 12 after accusing her of infidelity
- He placed their 18-month-old daughter with a relative before going on the run, prompting an Amber Alert
- Akbari faces charges of first-degree murder, child endangerment, and armed criminal action
Why it matters: The case highlights how domestic disputes can escalate to fatal violence, leaving children without parents and communities reeling.
A Jefferson City, Missouri, father is behind bars after allegedly confessing to fatally stabbing his wife and then disappearing with their toddler daughter.
The 911 Call That Unraveled a Family
The chain of events began at 12:25 p.m. on January 12 when Akbari’s adult son dialed 911. According to court documents, the son told dispatchers that his father had called him minutes earlier with a chilling admission: “I killed your mom, and I left the house.”
The son rushed to the family home and discovered his mother lying unresponsive in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor. Their 18-month-old sister, who had been home with the mother, was nowhere to be found.
He informed dispatchers that Akbari was likely driving the family’s 2015 blue Honda Odyssey and provided the vehicle’s description.
Amber Alert and Swift Capture
Authorities immediately issued an Amber Alert for the missing toddler. Police located the Honda later that same day and took Akbari into custody without incident.
Officers found the 18-month-old girl safe at a relative’s residence. The relative told investigators that Akbari had dropped the child off before fleeing the area.
Confession and Motive
Detectives, with the aid of an interpreter, interviewed Akbari after his arrest. Court documents state that he confessed to stabbing his wife following an argument over suspected infidelity.
Akbari described placing a pillow under his wife’s head as she bled on the kitchen floor. He then picked up their daughter, said a prayer, and left the residence.
“I loved her. I sacrificed everything for her. I made a mistake. I do regret this. There was no other option for me,” Akbari told detectives, according to the charging documents.
He also admitted to calling multiple family members after the incident to report what he had done and to request they check on his wife.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Claims
Akbari’s attorney, David Moen, entered a plea of not guilty on his client’s behalf, citing Akbari’s “severely impaired” mental condition. Moen told News Of Los Angeles that Akbari is “innocent until proven guilty.”
Moen detailed Akbari’s background, stating that his client served in the Afghan Army for many years and sustained numerous injuries during his service. The attorney added that Akbari and his family relocated to Jefferson County approximately four years ago and have built strong community ties.
“He and his family have a lot of friends in this town, a lot of good connections,” Moen said, requesting prayers for Akbari and his family, “especially the children who lost their mother.”
Next Court Dates
Akbari remains in custody on no bond. His bond review is scheduled for January 21, with a preliminary hearing set for February 19, per public court records.
Key Takeaways
- A single domestic dispute turned deadly in minutes, leaving three children without their mother
- Quick action by Akbari’s son and law enforcement prevented further harm to the toddler
- The case underscores the lethal potential of unchecked jealousy and the importance of mental-health resources for veterans
