Black widow’ killer, 56, faces multiple death sentences after gruesomely killing at least 10 husbands

IRAN’S “Black Widow” killer is facing multiple death sentences after admitting to murdering at least 10 of her former husbands. Kolthoum Akbari, 56, has been sentenced to death after confessing to a killing spree spanning two decades. Kolthoum Akbari is facing multiple death sentences for killing several of her ex husbands Credit: supplied Authorities believe she may have killed as many as 12 men Credit: AFP Authorities believe the serial spouse-slayer may have murdered as many as 12 men, although the exact number of victims remains unclear. Most were allegedly killed using a combination of rubbing alcohol, sedatives and other medication. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Prosecutors say Akbari targeted these men for their gold, cash and other valuables. She would reportedly lure elderly men into “temporary” marriages known as sigheh – before drugging them. Her poisons allegedly ranged from ordinary medication to industrial alcohol, which she would secretly add to drinks, as well as powerful sedatives. Akbari’s killing spree came to an end in 2023 following the death of her 82-year-old husband, Gholamreza Babaei. His distressed family reportedly raised the alarm after claims Akbari had been forcing him to take medication. He died shortly afterwards. Most read in The Sun “I don’t know how many I killed. Maybe it was 13 or 15 people. I don’t remember exactly,” she said in a shocking confession reported by the Telegraph. She added: “I’d drug them and then use a towel.” Ten victims’ families have reportedly chosen qisas – Iran’s form of retributive punishment. At least one family agreed to accept blood money, known as diya, in accordance with Islamic law. The court consequently handed down 10 death sentences, along with a further prison sentence for attempted murder. The victims’ families reportedly have until the end of the month to appeal, according to the Jerusalem Post. Born in the village of Malekabad, Akbari divorced her first husband, according to Faraz Daily. She later reportedly confessed to killing her second husband, a man named Alijan. Akbari allegedly told his family that she had suffered beatings in the past before admitting to pouring industrial alcohol into his mouth and suffocating him. Authorities believe the victims were spread across several towns, helping Akbari evade detection for years. The case has shocked Iran, with Akbari becoming a hot topic of conversation, even inspiring a character on a popular show on state TV. Victims’ families expressed frustration that the case has become a target of jokes on social media. One family member said: “This incident was difficult and terrifying for us because the victims of this crime were our fathers. “Now instead of witnessing swift justice and a thorough investigation of this case, we are seeing jokes that deepen our grief.” Comment now