Autopsy completed

Investigation against mom for gross negligence

Little Dominik fell out of the nursery window on the fourth floor and succumbed to his serious injuries.

(Bild: Dostal Harald)

There seems to be no end to the drama in this case! Five-year-old Dominik from Linz is said to have been all alone in his parents' apartment before his fatal fall from the window. The public prosecutor's office is now investigating the mother and her partner. The autopsy of the dead boy has now produced a result.

Where exactly were the mother and her partner when little Dominik fell to his death from the nursery window on the fourth floor of his parents' apartment in Linz on Saturday afternoon?

According to "Krone" information, both supervisors were out for a walk at the time. The five-year-old was probably alone in the apartment, which is said to have been locked from the outside. The mother and her partner have not yet been questioned and were still under psychiatric care on Monday.

The dead Dominik is remembered with candles.

(Bild: Dostal Harald)

Up to three years in prison
"We are investigating gross negligence manslaughter", emphasizes Ulrike Breiteneder, spokesperson for the Linz public prosecutor's office. The maximum sentence for this is three years in prison.

Fatal injuries from a fall
The prosecution had also commissioned an autopsy. The results are now available: The boy could no longer be saved, his injuries were too severe, confirming the course of events as an accident. "The injuries are clearly consistent with the fall," says Breiteneder.

It also needs to be clarified whether the window may have been left open for ventilation or whether the boy opened it on his own. "The evidence still needs to be fully investigated."

In households with children, window handles should always be lockable with keys.

(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

A child falls out of a window every four weeks
The tragic case of little Dominik is currently shaking not only the neighbors in the apartment building in Linz, but all over the country. Unfortunately, window falls happen more frequently.

"On average, a child under the age of 15 falls out of a window every four weeks in Austria," explains Johanna Trauner-Karner, Head of Leisure Safety at the Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV).

Little Dominik had fallen out of his nursery window on the fourth floor and succumbed to his serious injuries.

(Bild: Dostal Harald)

Fortunately, most falls end up being minor. In 2022, however, there were 18 injured children nationwide (eight in Upper Austria), seven injured and one dead child in the previous year (one injured in Upper Austria).

Mandatory fall protection for cats
"It's strange that suitable protection devices against cats falling from windows and balconies are mandatory in Austria. However, there is no comparable regulation for children," criticizes Trauner-Karner.

Small children should never be left alone at home. Not even when they are asleep and you only leave the apartment briefly to empty the dustbin or fetch milk.

Johanna Trauner-Karner, Leiterin des Bereichs Freizeitsicherheit im Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit (KFV)

She therefore appeals to people with children in the household to install protective measures. "Sturdy window bars are the most effective prevention method."

Window handles that can be locked with keys are also useful - and inexpensive: "They are quick and easy to install." In addition, furniture should never be placed in front of windows. "Otherwise it will be used as a climbing aid."