Murder at Asia Studio

Suspect undergoes psychiatric examination

(Bild: zVg, Peter Tomschi, Krone KREATIV)

The 27-year-old man who allegedly stabbed three young women to death in an Asia Studio in Engerthstraße in Vienna-Brigittenau last Friday is undergoing a psychiatric examination. The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office is having an expert's report obtained in order to clarify whether the accused is mentally incompetent or otherwise not guilty.

The Afghan-born man (27) was taken to the Vienna-Josefstadt prison on Sunday evening after his police interrogation was completed. He had "basically confessed" during the interrogation, according to the regional police headquarters. "We will be applying for pre-trial detention today", said Bussek. The regional court then has 48 hours to make a decision. Due to the circumstances of the crime, this should only be a formality in this case.

The 27-year-old had caused a bloodbath with a knife in the establishment in Engerthstraße on Friday evening. The identity of the three women killed has still not been established beyond doubt. A fourth woman was able to save herself by locking herself in a room. She witnessed the violent crime, which was carried out in several rooms.

Memorial service at the crime scene
The suspect was arrested in a bush opposite the red-light restaurant after a local resident called the police at around 9 p.m. because he noticed a trail of blood leading from the restaurant to the other side of the street - the 27-year-old may have injured himself in the course of the fight.

A memorial rally was held at the scene of the crime on Sunday evening. This was called for by the Austrian Women's Ring and Green local politicians, among others.