In a deeply disturbing incident, a 35-year-old bodybuilder live-streamed the murder of his ex-wife on Instagram on Friday, August 11, followed by a shooting spree that ended in his suicide.
The events unfolded in the Bosnian town of Gradacac, resulting in three deaths and injuries to three others. Nermin Sulejmanovic had announced an upcoming live execution on his Instagram page.
His ex-wife, visibly injured, appeared on the stream as he accused her of reporting him to the police. The cries of a distressed child were audible in the background. Approximately 12,000 viewers reportedly witnessed the live-streamed incident.
Sulejmanovic identified himself as the child’s father and accused his ex-wife of hiding the toddler from him while alleging domestic violence against her. He shot her in the forehead on camera, then panned to the child on the floor, urging someone to help the child.
Sulejmanovic subsequently live-streamed two more videos on Instagram, confessing to the off-camera murders of two others. He also injured a police officer, a man, and a woman at different locations in Gradacac while evading the authorities.
Nermin Niksic, the prime minister of the Bosnian Federation, expressed his profound shock and sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. Sulejmanovic took his own life before the police could arrest him.
While the motive behind the crime remains undisclosed, it is known that Sulejmanovic’s ex-wife had previously reported him for threats and violence. Sulejmanovic had a criminal record, which included drug smuggling and assaulting a police officer.
The United Nations condemned the incident, emphasizing the alarming levels of violence against women in Bosnia. The organization urged a unified response to combat such gender-based violence, pressing authorities to prioritize efforts against femicide.
Prosecutors warned that people supporting Sulejmanovic on social media might face legal repercussions. The events have spurred conversations about addressing gender-based violence and its repercussions within the community.
