John Gitau Mwangi, a US Army soldier, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after shooting and killing his wife, fellow service member Esther Gitau, during an argument at their home in Killeen, Texas.
The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to unpremeditated murder over the February 21, 2025, killing.
The court-martial was held at Fort Hood’s Lawrence Williams Judicial Centre, where Presiding Military Judge Col. Maureen Kohn handed down a comprehensive sentence.
In addition to the prison term, Mwangi was stripped of all military pay and benefits, reduced to the lowest enlisted rank of E-1, and dishonourably discharged from the Army. He is to serve his sentence at the US Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
According to Military Times, Mwangi shot the 37-year-old and locked her in a bedroom before leaving the home. Michelle McCaskill, director of communications for the office, said Mwangi later called his brother from his car and confessed to what had happened. The brother alerted police.
Killeen police officers responded to a welfare check at the residence in the 3300 block of Lakecrest Drive at about 7.16 pm that evening.
“Upon the officers’ arrival, they found a 37-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds,” police said in a statement dated February 22, 2025.
“The victim was pronounced deceased at 9.29pm by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. Two children were located inside the residence, unaware of what had occurred, and were safe.”
Authorities confirmed the children were not harmed and had no knowledge of the violence that had taken place.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Killeen Police Department.
Forensic evidence, including DNA and blood samples, led to Mwangi being formally charged with unpremeditated murder on April 2.
“We could not have achieved this outcome without the commitment and collaboration of our Texas law enforcement partners,” said Lane Allen, special agent in charge of the Army CID Central Texas Field Office, according to Stars and Stripes. “While no sentence can undo the harm caused or restore what was taken, today’s outcome sends a clear message that our justice system will not waver in pursuing those who commit such tragic and irreversible acts.”
Base officials said the late Staff Sergeant Esther Gitau was stationed with the 1st Medical Brigade, where she served as a food safety inspector. Her previous postings included Fort Knox in Kentucky and Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
“A soldier, a mother, a sister — Sgt. Esther Gitau — was tragically taken away by the accused’s reprehensible actions,” prosecutor Lt. Col. William Wicks said in a statement. “Though nothing we can do will bring her back, we hope the family can begin to heal following these proceedings.”
Mwangi served as an aircraft structural repairer attached to the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade.
In the aftermath of her death, family friend Edwin Kang’ea created a GoFundMe page to support Esther’s family.
“This is a profound and sudden shift for Esther’s family,” the appeal reads. “As her friends and community, we understand the unseen challenges brought about by this tragedy and are seeking support to ensure their immediate needs are met. No donation is too small, and every contribution helps ease the financial burden. If you are unable to donate, sharing this message can make a world of difference.”
Esther Gitau was later laid to rest in Nakuru County in a moving ceremony that honoured her military service.
In keeping with tradition, her casket was draped in the American flag.
Footage shared online showed a US Army representative presenting the folded flag to her parents, a solemn gesture recognising her dedication and sacrifice.