A 35-year-old woman has been ordered held in custody on murder charges in connection with the shooting death of her husband, a Southern Illinois University Carbondale professor.
Betty J. Akamani appeared in Jackson County court Monday on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of child endangerment. Following a detention hearing, the court granted prosecutors’ request to deny her pretrial release based on dangerousness.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 6th at 1:15 p.m.
The charges stem from the death of 48-year-old Kofi Akamani, who was shot Saturday evening, September 19, near a residence off Lake Road between Murphysboro and Carbondale. He was transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he was pronounced dead.
Court records show the couple had been involved in divorce proceedings since February. Those proceedings included disputes involving parenting time and the children’s schooling, along with filings concerning parental restrictions and a preliminary injunction.
SIU’s forestry community held a vigil for Akamani at 6 p.m. last (Tuesday) night on the front lawn of the Agriculture Building. A separate memorial is expected to be held at a later date.
The forestry program remembered Akamani for his gentle and kind demeanor, dedicated work ethic and positive attitude. SIU also extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and students.