The old lady stands small, delicate and silent in the regional court of Vienna. The 72-year-old even goes without handcuffs – there is no trace of aggression. It was different in July 2023, when she frantically tried to kill a social worker.
It is one of the most serious crimes that the Austrian criminal code allows: murder – even if it remains an attempt. And yet you can hardly help but feel sympathy for the 72-year-old in the Vienna Regional Court. The small woman stands quietly in front of the courtroom in an oversized sweater and sweatpants, continues to look around with a friendly face and waits for her trial.
Untreated for decades
The former cleaning lady has suffered from severe schizophrenia for decades, but has never been treated. When her husband passed away in July 2021, she lost her closest person. The 72-year-old then lived in an apartment without electricity, gas or water. So she gets an adult representative who also has access to her pension.
“Developed powers that are almost impossible”
“But she did not understand her illness and did not want to accept this help,” the prosecutor explains. When a social worker tried to transfer her pension to the old lady in mid-July last year, she attacked him. The little 72-year-old hit his head with a hammer – fortunately he was not hit. “In such a condition, those affected can develop powers that would otherwise be virtually impossible,” the prosecutor explains.
During the plea, the woman repeatedly whispers “fear” and the prosecutor agrees: “I believe she experienced the situation as very threatening.” legally binding.
Source: Krone

I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.