Ex-London Police Officer Convicted of Wife’s Murder After Secret Life Exposed

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A former British police officer has been convicted of murdering his wife in Georgia, United States, after she uncovered his affair and threatened to expose their allegedly fraudulent marriage used to help him remain in the country.

Brian McManus, 57, previously with London’s Metropolitan Police Service, was found guilty of the 2023 killing of his wife, 63-year-old Lucille Ann McManus. Prosecutors argued that the murder took place after Lucille discovered he was having an affair and suspected he had used her to obtain U.S. residency.

On November 24, 2023, officers from Warner Robins Police Department responded to what had been reported as a suicide. Lucille was found dead in the couple’s bedroom, lying unclothed on the bed with a serious head injury. Although McManus told police he had returned from walking their dog to find her dead, officers quickly grew suspicious due to several inconsistencies in his account.

Prosecutors later revealed that McManus had struck Lucille with a blunt object as she exited the shower, then strangled her before staging the scene. Surveillance footage captured him near a drainage ditch shortly afterwards, where police later discovered a rubber mallet and a mobile phone believed to be connected to the killing.

Assistant District Attorneys Justin Duane and Lauren Fletcher led the case against McManus, highlighting his attempts to shift blame onto others, including Lucille’s granddaughter and her boyfriend. Phone data and witness statements disproved his claims.

Sham Marriage

During the trial, McManus was portrayed as cold and calculated, showing more concern about his legal situation than his wife’s death. The court heard that Lucille had uncovered a text message sent in error by McManus to her, which was meant for his mistress in Florida. That discovery, prosecutors said, pushed her to confront him and threaten to expose the sham nature of their rushed marriage.

It also emerged during the trial that McManus had a deeply troubling past. He had been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police after being accused by several women of sexually inappropriate behaviour. His first marriage had ended following a domestic violence arrest.

Prosecutors claimed Lucille, who met McManus on the dating app Tinder, was vulnerable and lonely, and that McManus took advantage of this. The couple married after just three months of knowing each other, which prosecutors said was a deliberate attempt by McManus to secure a path to a U.S. green card.

“This was a brutal and calculated murder,” said Houston County District Attorney Eric Z. Edwards. “Brian McManus exploited a vulnerable woman, manipulated her, and when she became inconvenient, he killed her. He thought he could lie his way out of it, but he failed.”

Assistant District Attorney Ada Duane added, “No one deserves to die like that. McManus is a textbook narcissist and a serial liar. I’m relieved that the jury saw through his lies and gave Lucille’s family the justice they deserve.”

As Houston County renews its focus on tackling domestic violence, officials say this case is a stark reminder of the consequences of abuse. “This case is a gut-wrenching warning of what’s at risk,” said the DA’s office. “Our team will continue to hold abusers to account and protect the vulnerable in our community.”

Tinder, where the couple first met, responded to the case in a statement saying the safety of its users is a top priority. While unable to comment on specific users, the company noted it has a dedicated portal for law enforcement to assist with investigations where needed.

McManus now faces sentencing, with the District Attorney’s office vowing to ensure he receives the full weight of justice.