Trial after bloody act – 33-year-old shot: daughter had to watch

The relationship had been marked by violence for months in advance, and even a ban on approaching them could not change that. On October 21 last year, the whole case finally came to a bloody end: the 35-year-old shot his former partner in the head at close range – all help came too late.

“Our life was truly a dream”
The 33-year-old first spoke about divorcing her partner in April 2022. But they have found each other again. ‘We couldn’t bear our separation. Our life was truly a dream. We had everything, especially love,” the Bosnian-born man said in the Korneuburg regional court. His defender Astrid Wagner also speaks of a positive relationship: “In the beginning it was beautiful and harmonious. After all, they have four children. This is a sign of great love.”

But that was overturned due to a row with her in-laws, and the first violent attack on the mother of four took place two months before the bloody act. The 35-year-old allegedly hit his partner with his fists. This is also present in the trial – he denies it.

Just like the intention to kill in the presence of the police. During the investigation he consistently claimed that he only wanted to hurt his ex-partner – when he shot her head from up to 50cm…

I bought the gun from Praterstern the day before the atrocity
Before the jury, attorney Wagner announced: Her client would plead guilty to murder: “But he is not an aggressive person. He’s not a cold-blooded killer. The divorce pulled the ground out from under him.” Family is the most important thing in the world for the 35-year-old. “He was completely convinced that it was over and that his family was gone. He will never be allowed to see his children again.”

That’s why he got a gun on October 20: “Out of fear and loneliness. I bought this for myself, for my safety.” – “Nonsense!” accuses the responsible judge. He bought the gun for 700 euros in Praterstern in Vienna.

The known responsibility is missing
But not much remains of the announced confession. The suspect speaks of a lot of love and great affection – towards their children and also his ex-partner. When the presiding judge arrives on the day of the crime, he simply says quietly, “Let’s not talk about it. It’s the way it’s written. I really can’t say.”

Then his responsibility turns around again: “I actually just wanted to shoot her in the back.” – The judge: ‘But you wanted to kill her?’ – ‘No, I just wanted to hurt her.’ Even his lawyer Astrid Wagner tries to convince him to reprimand him sharply in order to receive the promised guilty plea. “So he did not confess,” says victim representative Peter Philipp.

The lawyer represents the family of the 33-year-old who was murdered. A cruel detail: “Did you realize your 9-year-old daughter was present? Were they aware that their niece and nephew were still in the car? Or that her mother-in-law was nearby? Have you ever thought about what that does to the child if he or she is there when the father shoots the mother?” the judge asks the 35-year-old rather rhetorically.

The examining magistrate – he bursts out: ‘Stop describing the crime as if it was an unfortunate accident!’ – the prosecutor and the lawyer try to force a confession from the Bosnian-born man. After an interrogation by victim representative Peter Philipp and lawyer Astrid Wagner, the man finally whispers: “Yes, I am guilty.”

The jury trial is scheduled until the afternoon.