Trial in Graz

Attempted murder just a “lesson” according to 17-year-old

The trial took place in Graz, partly in camera.

(Bild: Jürgen Radspieler)

A 17-year-old stood before the jury in Graz on Wednesday for attempted murder. He allegedly stabbed another boy in the stomach with a knife in the fall of 2023. The whole thing had been preceded by an argument. The accused denied the intention to kill, saying he was only interested in "a lesson".

After two young people were sentenced to non-final prison sentences for attempted murder in Graz on Tuesday, the next 17-year-old stood before the jury a day later for such an offense. This time it was about an incident in Feldbach in eastern Styria.

"He wanted revenge"
The accused had an argument with another teenager. "He wanted revenge", the prosecutor was convinced. So, several weeks after the argument, he bought a knife in Graz, drove to Feldbach and sought out his opponent.

Murder weapon thrown into the river
"He lured him away from his friends and went for a walk with him," the prosecutor described. Suddenly, he is said to have turned to the other youth without saying a word and stabbed him in the stomach with the knife. He then ran away and threw the knife into the Raab.

The victim suffered life-threatening injuries, but was able to call for help himself. The young man finally collapsed near a fast food restaurant and friends and eyewitnesses came to his aid.

The accused explained that he had only wanted to stab his opponent in the thigh to teach him a lesson. "Even a stab in the thigh can be fatal," emphasized the prosecutor.

Wanted to seriously injure, but not kill
"He denies any intention to kill", said the defense lawyer, describing his client as a well-integrated, hard-working teenager. He had only bought the knife for self-protection. Yes, he wanted to seriously injure the other boy, but not kill him, said the lawyer.

The 16-year-old told the court that the defendant had constantly insulted him at school. A few weeks before the crime, the accused spat at him and wanted to fight with him, which the two did. Finally, the 16-year-old walked away. "You'll see what you get out of it", his opponent shouted after him.

20 centimeter long scar is a reminder of the crime
On the day of the attack, the 17-year-old approached him and said: "We need to talk alone for a moment." The victim thought it was about reconciliation. "Out of nowhere, he suddenly turns around and stabs me." He slumped down, initially believing it was a punch.

"Then I realized that something was running down my leg." He lost consciousness and was operated on in Graz for five hours. A scar around 20 centimetres long on his stomach is a reminder of the attack.

"How are you today?" asked Judge Kornelia Philipp. "Physically good, mentally not so good. I'm still sleeping very badly," replied the 16-year-old. A verdict will not be reached until Thursday, as further witnesses will be heard.