Peter Knight (murderer)

Peter Knight (born c. 1947) is an Australian man convicted of the murder of his wife, Janice Knight, in 1979. The crime, which involved dismemberment and cannibalism, shocked the Australian public and resulted in significant media coverage.

Background: Peter and Janice Knight were married and living in Melbourne, Victoria. Knight worked as a panel beater. Their relationship reportedly suffered from financial and marital difficulties.

The Crime: In November 1979, Peter Knight murdered Janice Knight. He subsequently dismembered her body. The details of the crime, as revealed during the trial, included disturbing acts of cannibalism.

Trial and Conviction: Knight pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution presented evidence detailing the gruesome nature of the crime and Knight's alleged motive. He was ultimately found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Imprisonment: Peter Knight remains incarcerated. Due to the severity of his crime and concerns about public safety, he has been repeatedly denied parole. He is considered one of Australia's longest-serving prisoners.

Significance: The Peter Knight case is notable for the extreme brutality of the crime and its enduring impact on Australian criminal history. The details of the murder, particularly the cannibalistic aspect, have made it a subject of continued fascination and morbid interest. The case also raises questions about the possibility of parole for individuals convicted of especially heinous crimes.