A Ghanaian professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the United States, Dr Kofi Akamani, has died after being shot multiple times at a home in Jackson County, Illinois.

His wife, 35-year-old Betty Akamani, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death.

According to court records and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office, the couple had been separated for about two years and were in the process of getting a divorce.

What happened?

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported shooting at about 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Court records indicate that Betty Akamani is accused of shooting her 48-year-old husband multiple times while he was sitting in his car in the driveway of her Murphysboro home.

Kofi Akamani was taken to a hospital in Carbondale, where he later died from his injuries.

The Jackson County State’s Attorney, Marsha Cascio-Hale, later confirmed that the shooting occurred at a home on Anthony Drive.

Wife charged with murder

Betty Akamani was charged on Monday, September 21, with two counts of felony first-degree murder and one count of endangering the life or health of a child.

She appeared in court on Monday, where she was denied release and ordered to remain in the Jackson County Jail.

Her preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 6, 2026.

The charges against Betty Akamani are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Going through divorce

The couple had been separated for about two years and were in the process of getting a divorce, according to court records.

Professor at SIU for 15 years

Dr Kofi Akamani had worked at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for about 15 years.

He was a professor in the College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences and was associated with the university’s forestry programme.

Following news of his death, the university expressed condolences to his family, friends, students, colleagues and members of the wider community.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the tragic passing of one of our faculty members, Dr Kofi Akamani,” Jeff Harmon, SIU’s chief communications and marketing officer, said in a statement.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and students during this difficult time.”

US-based Ghanaian professor shot dead

The Forestry programme at SIU also mourned Akamani, describing him as a valued member of its academic community.

In a social media post, the department said he was deeply loved by his colleagues at SIU and by forestry professionals around the world.

It described him as having a gentle and kind demeanour and being known for his dedication to his work and positive attitude.

University offers support

SIU-Carbondale has made counselling and support services available to students, faculty and staff following Akamani’s death.

Students can access Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), while additional after-hours support is available through Connect@SIU.

Faculty and staff can also access confidential counselling and referral services through the university’s Employee Assistance Programme.

Wife arrested after Ghanaian professor Kofi Akamani is shot dead in US

vigil

A vigil in honour of Akamani is scheduled for Tuesday September 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the Agriculture Building.

The university said a larger memorial celebrating his life will be held at a later date.

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