Id say its a double homicide.. (the wife is killed, and he kills Clary
in self defense)

I had always assumed the wife was dead, - 'she fell unto the floor like she were dead' - with the wife as cold as clay I carried her away'

I think its an ugly incident that escalates, but Ive never thought that the neighbours didnt help because of his politics - rather its the unwillingness to get involved - probably because of their fear of the Bully.

at no time would I think the narrator is guilty of murder, Im not a lawyer but from what I remember from some law studies I did there is such a thing as a reasonable defense- and Clary responds by pulling out a knife and threatening to kill him..

I dont even think the woman overreacted by slapping or striking Cleary.