Tunisian man admits killing pregnant wife in Montreal

Mustapha Khalil Mechken, a Tunisian living in Montreal, Canada, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to the second-degree murder of his wife, Narjes Ben Yedder. She was 10 weeks pregnant with their first child when Mechken killed her in 2024 with 49 stab wounds, many to her abdomen. He calmly reported the crime to emergency services, stating he was angry and killed her.

The 45-year-old Mechken, who married Ben Yedder, 32, two years prior, admitted he did not want a child and was concerned about a drop in family income due to maternity leave. The prosecution is seeking a life sentence with no parole for 22 years, with the judge expected to deliver a decision next week. Mechken remained impassive during the court proceedings.

Investigators found Mechken had searched online for information regarding inheritance of bank accounts, assets, and tax-free savings accounts if a spouse dies, and also researched "burn out" and intrusive thoughts. He reportedly took two large kitchen knives to attack his sleeping wife in their bed.

Why it mattersA Tunisian national living in Canada has been convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, impacting the Tunisian diaspora in Montreal.

Sources