It seems strange that after marrying in her 30’s, some 15 years later she is afraid of him. But people do change. Probably very few change for the better.
Money worries or ambition could have grown in him, like weeds choking off all good. Drugs or alcohol could have resulted in personality changes. Early onset Alzheimer’s. Brain disease. Or the countless snares that Satan might cast.
I personally know several women who fear their former lovers or husbands. One of them told me that every day she isn’t murdered, is to others a sign that her fears are groundless, but it’s like Russian roulette.
This woman didn’t have to die and her children didn’t have to lose their mother. She needed intervention, someone to take her concerns seriously and not discount them because they hadn’t happened yet.
At the very least, he should have been warned that cameras are on in every room and vehicle at all times, so that the chances of getting away with murder approach zero.
And yet, these killers were so incredibly inept, it’s as if they hadn’t a prudent brain cell between them. It’s possible the man simply snapped and had no plans at all.
But potential victims should always have plans and take precautions.
Everyone behaves well when first dating or marrying. Most likely, he was charming in the beginning. Then, gradually, his secret side was revealed. (Everyone has a hidden side.) In the beginning, they probably argued like all couples do. Then the arguments became more frequent. His words might not have turned threatening until later.
We can never really know another person, even if we’ve been with that person for a long time. We can pick up on clues. But, even then, we can never know that person’s secret thoughts.