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Computer Brainiac Guilty of Wife's Murder

'Geek defense' didn't work

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 29, 2008 4:03 AM CDT

(Newser) – A brilliant California computer programmer was found guilty of murdering his estranged wife yesterday—despite the fact that her body was never found. "I've been the best father that I know how," shouted Hans Reiser, 44, after the verdict, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. His wife's blood was found in Reiser's car and home. "We have a body. We just don't know where it is," the prosecutor told the jury.

Reiser's bizarre testimony and complaints that his 31-year-old wife cared more about her career than their children undermined his defense. His attorney's "geek defense"—that odd behavior by the man who created a key Linux software program is not proof of guilt—didn't wash. Reiser's two children are now living with their maternal grandmother in Russia.

Hans Reiser, right, and his attorney, William Dubois, during the trial.
Hans Reiser, right, and his attorney, William Dubois, during the trial.   (AP Photo/Laura A Oda, File)
TV crews surround defense attorney Bill Du Bois after computer programmer hans Reiser was found guilty of first degree murder.
TV crews surround defense attorney Bill Du Bois after computer programmer hans Reiser was found guilty of first degree murder.   (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Computer guru Hans Reiser is escorted from the courtroom after being found guilty of murdering his wife.
Computer guru Hans Reiser is escorted from the courtroom after being found guilty of murdering his wife.   (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron, Pool)
Murder victim Nina Reiser. A body was never found and the manner of her death never determined.
Murder victim Nina Reiser. A body was never found and the manner of her death never determined.   (AP Photo/DMV photo via The Oakland Tribune)
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