An expatriate Israeli confessed to killing his wife.
Rafael Robb, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said he beat his wife, Ellen, to death during an argument over the couple’s daughter on Dec. 22, 2006. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, a heat-of-passion killing, on Monday, the day his trial was scheduled to begin.
Robb apologized to his 12-year-old daughter, who was not in court and who he has not seen since his arrest in January. He faces a prison term of four to seven years when he is sentenced in a few months.
The University of Pennsylvania has asked for the tenured economics professor’s immediate resignation. Robb is a naturalized U.S. citizen and thus cannot be deported.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
