Double mother stabbed – life sentence for “master manipulation”

Court psychiatrist Gabriele Wörgötter described the Pinzgau restorer, who sat before the Salzburg jury on Wednesday and Thursday, as “emotionally unstable” and “narcissistic”. She surprisingly changed her original assessment, testifying to a personality disorder and a high level of danger. The suspect is sane and belongs in an institution.

“He puts his feelings above others”
The expert verbally changed her written opinion about eight hours after the hearing – mainly because of the knowledge of threatening, abusive chats and the behavior of the suspect during the hearing. “He puts himself and his own feelings above those of others,” the psychiatrist explains. Defense attorney Franz Essl requested another expert opinion, the court rejected this and agreed with the reputable expert’s statements.

Self-pitying, almost tearful appearance in court
On the first day of the trial, Christian L. spent nearly six hours almost tearfully reporting on his failed relationship, his exhausting life, and his difficult mental state. A bizarre scene when you consider why the restorer was on trial. According to the expert, the victim suffocated for the first time on May 13, 2022 – so violently that the thyroid cartilage broke. Then Christian L. stabbed three times with a sharp carving knife and even pierced the chest. Sabrina L. bled to death in the inn kitchen. The body was found shortly afterwards by the alleged killer’s mother. He had notified her of a dispute by telephone.

Christian L. confessed to the crime after flying for about 24 hours. He talked about blacking out and that he didn’t want to kill. It was a “state of emergency” caused by the victim’s humiliations and infidelity. The stabbings were preceded by a scuffle – sparked by a dispute over the end of the relationship and a planned takeover by Sabrina L.

Put victims in a headlock
The later victim came screaming and beating at him and later even strangled him. He then put her in a headlock and strangled her. He doesn’t know what happened after that. The next memory is of him cleaning his hands and the murder weapon in the sink.

‘Suspect is a master of manipulation’
Prosecutor Katharina Nocker called the suspect a “master of manipulation”. He feels sorry for himself and is emotionally unstable. It were impressive hours in which they got a good impression of the suspect. “He seemed very confident, self-confident even,” the lawyer confirmed. She locates a planned act and asks, “Why else would Mr. L. have carried a passport?” The suspect had also shown aggressive and controlling behavior before the act. In addition to a conviction for murder, the public prosecutor has also requested admission to an institution recommended by the psychiatrist.

Some indications point to a planned action. A knife was found in the sock drawer which was identical in construction to the one used in the kitchen. A bag containing hygiene items and spare laundry was also found in Christian L.’s car. He also scheduled a flower delivery for a morning appointment that same day and told the maid to stay home.

280,000 euros demanded for family
Victim representative Stefan Rieder demanded a total of 280,000 euros for the next of kin. Rieder also addressed the high number of murdered women in Austria and said there was no manslaughter. He asked for a murder conviction. Defender Essl waved it off, emphasized that the amount was too high and therefore only awarded 100,000 euros in mourning compensation.

‘He acted in an affect storm’
Lawyer Essl did not come through with his demand for conviction for manslaughter. His client acted in an emotional state, was beyond reproach and voluntarily gave himself up. He asked the court to take this into account in the verdict and did not hesitate to criticize the expert opinion.

In addition, Essl accused the victim of constant infidelity and humiliation, which combined with professional pressure and the suspect’s health and mental health issues led to the aforementioned emotional storm. There is no “black or white”, you have to “see people as human beings”.

Unanimous conviction of murder
The jury unanimously found Christian L. guilty of murder. He must now serve a life sentence and also be treated in an institution for mentally abnormal, responsible offenders. In total, he must pay 200,000 euros to the next of kin. Defense attorney Essl immediately filed a nullity complaint and appealed. In addition, L. has also been convicted of aggravated assault, stalking and dangerous threats. Sabrina L. had reported these crimes a few months before her death.

There was even an approach ban. However, a corresponding application for a preliminary injunction was withdrawn by Sabrina L. one day before her death. Victim representative Rieder summed it up aptly: “She thought she was over it. But she was wrong.”