Court negotiates double murder of homeless people in Vienna

Court negotiates double murder of homeless people in Vienna

On Monday, an important procedure took place at the Vienna Regional Court against an 18-year-old who is charged with double murder and other serious crimes. The allegations are serious: In the summer of 2023, the accused is said to have killed two sleeping homeless with a knife and seriously injured another woman who was without a permanent residence. The public prosecutor plans to listen to the survivor as a witness. The negotiation is scheduled for two days.

The indictment is based on several homicides for which the young man has now made a confession. In addition, he is charged with violent behavior towards his own mother. A psychiatric report presented during the procedure certifies the accountability during the deeds, but at the same time announces a significant danger that is assumed. The expert expressed that without suitable therapeutic measures there is a high risk that the accused could again commit crimes with serious consequences.

Details about the acts

The incidents that are charged to the accused were particularly brutal. On July 12, 2023, he was accused of having stabbed a 56-year-old man on a park bench in Vienna-Brigittenau with a kitchen knife. Only ten days later, on July 22, he added serious stab and cuts in Venice to a 51-year-old woman, although the victim survived. Another fatal incident occurred on the night of August 9, when the 18-year-old killed a 55-year-old man at the Hernals belt in Vienna-Josefstadt. This series of acts of violence finally culminated in an attack on his mother on September 18, 2023, in which she suffered several rib breaks and other injuries after the accused hit her in the face and then stepped on the floor.

The severity of the allegations has led to an intensive discussion about youth crime and the need for interventions in such cases. The public prosecutor doesn't have much time, because this decision could have far-reaching consequences for the 18-year-old. Depending on the course of the negotiation, accommodation could even be ordered in a forensic-therapeutic center in order to avoid another crime and thus take into account the company. For more information, See the current reporting on www.vol.at