Son who viciously stabbed elderly mother to death in their shared home is jailed for life

Son, 49, who viciously stabbed elderly mother, 78, to death in the home they shared then lied about it is jailed for life and must serve at least 20 years

  • Mark Jozunas stabbed his mother Valerie in their home in Wimbish on March 1
  • Shocked neighbours described Valerie as ‘a really lovely’ and helpful person 
  • Jozunas was sentenced to life in prison on Friday by the Chelmsford Crown Court
  • Senior investigating officer hoped sentence would give some solace to family

A twisted son who stabbed his elderly mum to death in the home they shared has been jailed for at least 20 years.

Mark Jozunas attacked Valerie Jozunas, 78, in the affluent village of Wimbish, Essex, on March 1st this year.

Paramedics and police rushed to the semi-detached property after the alarm was raised but Valerie died at the scene.

Mark Jozunas stabbed and killed his mother Valerie Jozunas, 78, in their shared home in the affluent village of Wimbish, Essex, on March 1st this year. Today, he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 20 years

A post-mortem examination gave her cause of death as severe blood loss from multiple stab wounds.

Neighbours spoke of their shock in the wake of the killing, describing Valerie as ‘a really lovely person’ who ‘would do anything to help’.

Jozunas, 49, was charged with her murder and convicted by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court last month.

Jozunas was suffering from mental health issues, according to his family who spoke after he was convicted last month by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court

Jozunas was suffering from mental health issues, according to his family who spoke after he was convicted last month by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court

At the same court today, he was jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: ‘This was a tragic event in which Jozunas brutally took his mother’s life and then attempted to lie about it.

‘I am pleased that justice has been served for Valerie, and hope this sentence will provide some solace for the family.’  

Speaking after last month’s guilty verdict, Valerie’s family paid tribute to their mother who was ‘taken away from us by an act of violence.’

‘We have not only lost our mother, but our brother too. Life will never be the same, but we hope our brother will received the help he needs for his ongoing mental health issues.

‘There are no winners in this situation but as a family we respectfully remember our dear mum and hope we can all find peace in the future.’

The family are yet to comment following today’s sentencing. 

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