Former Egyptian model Omaima Nelson killed her husband, dismembered his body, cooked his flesh and ate it with barbecue sauce.

She was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 27 years to life in prison.

The crime occurred at their Costa Mesa, California apartment when Nelson was 23 and her husband William was 56.

Nelson had immigrated to the United States from Egypt in 1986 and worked as a model and nanny before marrying William Nelson.

The Murder and Aftermath

Nelson claimed she acted in self-defense after her husband sexually assaulted her.

During the trial, a psychiatrist testified that Nelson admitted to eating portions of her husband's body after killing him.

The case drew national attention and comparisons to fictional cannibal Hannibal Lecter due to the extreme nature of the crime.

Legal Proceedings

Nelson's ex-husband testified against her during the trial, stating she never mentioned discomfort during sex.

The defense presented testimony about Nelson's alleged history of abuse and psychological trauma.

She was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 27 years to life in prison.

William Nelson's daughter opposed her release, stating she did not want Nelson freed from prison.

Her next parole eligibility is scheduled for 2026, more than three decades after the murder that shocked California.