YUMA, Ariz. — Nearly three decades have passed since Scott Falater was convicted of the brutal murder of his wife, yet he continues to assert that he was asleep during the horrific act. Charged with first-degree murder after a stabbing incident that shocked the community, Falater maintains he has no recollection of the events of that fateful night in January 1997.
On that night, Falater reportedly heard strange noises outside his home, which prompted him to check the surroundings. He claimed he returned to bed feeling unsettled but remembers little else until he was confronted by police officers in the early morning hours, who found his wife, Yarmila, lifeless in their backyard pool.
Falater’s defense hinged on an unusual argument: he was sleepwalking when he killed Yarmila. During his trial, friends and family testified that the couple had seemed happy and devoted to each other, adding a layer of complexity to the case. Witness accounts painted a different picture, however, as neighbors reported witnessing Scott dragging Yarmila towards the pool and submerging her head underwater.
In a recent interview from Yuma Prison, Falater expressed ongoing sorrow and confusion about what transpired. He recalled the profound guilt that has haunted him, stating, “I do not know what happened. There was nothing for me to gain from it.” Despite admitting to the act, he remains adamant that he was not fully conscious during the attack.
The prosecution contested Falater’s sleepwalking claim, arguing he was fully aware of his actions. Medical experts presented evidence that Yarmila had been stabbed 44 times, many of which were defensive wounds, suggesting a struggle rather than an unconscious attack. Still, the defense countered with testimonies from sleep specialists who suggested that an individual could act out complex behaviors while sleepwalking.
During the trial, Falater’s lawyer focused on his client’s history of sleepwalking, a condition supported by family anecdotes detailing episodes from his childhood. However, as the trial unfolded, the jury grappled with the chilling details of the murder juxtaposed against testimonies of an otherwise loving spouse.
When the verdict was read in 1999, Falater was found guilty. He faced a death sentence, but testimony from character witnesses, including his children, influenced the court’s decision, resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Now, Falater spends his days in prison reflecting on the past, stating that he practices meditation and engages with other incarcerated individuals who share experiences related to sleep disorders. He acknowledges the pain his actions inflicted on his family and remains at peace with his sentence. “I don’t expect to be released,” he remarked, highlighting an acceptance of his reality.
As he continues to live with the aftermath of that tragic night, the case serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health and accountability. The community’s perception of the couple, once thought to be perfect, alters the discourse on what constitutes love, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of despair.