Gerardus Gerrit Heijne, who was convicted in 2009 of the murder of his partner Frank Cianciosi, has been found dead in his jail cell.
Heijne received a life sentence and was expected to serve at a minimum of 13 1/2 years jail time before being eligible for parole.
Heijne and Cianciosi were the master franchisers of the Lenard’s Chicken stores. In January 2008 Cianciosi was found dead in the couple’s luxuary East Perth apartment.
During the trial it was revealed that couple’s relationship had begun deteriorating after Mr Heijne had begun a sexual relationship with a nineteen year old man.
In 2010 Mr Heijne lost an appeal to overturn the conviction. Mr Heinje was found in his cell at Acacia Prison in an unresponsive state and was unable to be revived.
Read previous stories on this topic:
Man charged with murder of partner – 4 February 2008
Murder trial begins in Supreme Court – 8 June, 2009
Three week trial ends with life sentence – June 20o9
Chicken mogul appeals murder conviction – April 2010
