Nanthancode murder case: Cadell Jeansen Raja found guilty, sentencing arguments to be heard tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Additional Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram has found Cadell Jeansen Raja guilty in the Nanthancode family murder case. The sentencing arguments will be heard tomorrow. Cadell is the sole accused in the brutal murder of four members of his own family, including his parents and sister.

The final arguments in the case were completed on April 28. Although the verdict was initially scheduled for May 6, and later postponed to May 8, it was finally delivered today. The victims included Dr Raja Thankam, Dr Jean Padma, Dr Caroline and Jean Padma's relative Lalitha. Cadell murdered them all over the course of two days.

A medical graduate, Cadell committed the murders after being influenced by astral projection. The incident took place on April 9, 2017. While studying medicine abroad, Cadell became fascinated with astral projection. Before committing the murders, he served food laced with pesticides to his parents, sister and relative. After they fell ill and vomited, he hacked them to death and set the bodies on fire inside the house.

The axe used for the murders was purchased online. After the incident, Cadell went to Chennai but was arrested at Thampanoor railway station when he returned upon seeing his photo in the newspapers. His plea to be acquitted on the grounds of mental illness was rejected by the court. The trial proceeded after a medical board certified that the accused was mentally sound.