Radovan Ranisavlević (57), director of the Department of General Administration and Public Services in the Koceljeva Municipality, Serbia, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the murder of his partner, Jasmina Puretić Lazarević (46).
The case, described as a crime of passion, stems from events on 23 September 2020, and concluded recently in court after a prolonged legal process. Serbian media report that pathological jealousy was the primary motive behind the attack.
Details of the Crime
According to the investigation, Ranisavlević attempted to commit suicide after the murder by driving to a bridge over the Sava River near Šabac. He was intercepted by police while on the bridge.
In his statement to authorities, Ranisavlević admitted that he had entered Jasmina’s home by climbing through a window and stabbed her during a brief argument. Police found Jasmina’s body in a pool of blood at her residence in Barić, Belgrade, with multiple stab wounds.
Authorities secured fingerprints, DNA, and other physical evidence at the scene. Ranisavlević was immediately taken into custody, leading to a formal criminal investigation.
Background
Both Ranisavlević and Lazarević were married with grown children. Reports suggest that their secret affair began in their home village, but tensions escalated when Jasmina allegedly decided to end the relationship and return to her family. Ranisavlević, reportedly consumed by jealousy, reacted with lethal violence.
In court, Ranisavlević confessed to the crime, accepting responsibility for the murder. The 14-year prison sentence reflects the severity of the act, while also highlighting ongoing societal challenges in addressing domestic violence and crimes driven by jealousy in Serbia.
This case has reignited discussions about the risks of personal vendettas in positions of public authority and the importance of preventive measures and social awareness to combat domestic violence.
