Killer Sentenced to 26 Years for Strangling Estranged Wife After Years of Abuse

Jessie James Tumaliuan has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for the brutal murder of his estranged wife, Czarina Gatbonton Tumaliuan, on March 27, 2025. The crime occurred in the backyard of Czarina's home in Melbourne's west, marking the culmination of at least eight years of terror and abuse.

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She was unarmed, defenceless and terrified.

Victorian Supreme Court judge Justice Amanda Fox detailed the horrific nature of the attack, noting that Czarina was unarmed, defenseless, and terrified. Tumaliuan had a history of repeatedly assaulting his wife and breaching court-ordered intervention orders, despite serving jail time for previous violations. The court heard that Tumaliuan was not suffering from any mental health conditions or addictions.

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You complain too much. Your light will end. Do you want that? Is that what you want?

On the day of the murder, Tumaliuan waited for his wife to return from a school drop-off, forced his way into her home, and ultimately killed her. Part of the attack, including verbal threats, was captured on CCTV. Tumaliuan was heard saying, "Your light will end. Do you want that? Is that what you want?" He also demanded money, and when Czarina attempted to call emergency services, the call was disconnected.

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I cannot forgive you.

Justice Fox stated that Tumaliuan appeared motivated by money, anger towards the police and court system, and jealousy over his estranged wife's ability to live successfully without him. The autopsy revealed Czarina had been stabbed eight times, with a neck wound proving fatal. Tumaliuan surrendered to police shortly after the incident, but controversially blamed the victim and the legal system for his actions. He had been on bail and subject to a five-year intervention order when he committed the murder.

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She can be heard screaming for around seven seconds before she falls silent.