40 stab wounds

Styrian man on trial: wife brutally killed

The pensioner's case is being heard at Leoben Regional Court.

(Bild: Jürgen Radspieler)

At the beginning of May, a 61-year-old pensioner from Pöls will stand trial at the regional court in Leoben for allegedly murdering his 57-year-old wife with 40 stab wounds in November last year. 

On May 6, a 61-year-old Styrian man will stand trial on suspicion of murder at Leoben Regional Court. On November 7 last year in Pöls, in the district of Murau, the accused is alleged to have deliberately killed his wife with 40 stab wounds to the head, face, neck, shoulder, collarbone and back. The murder weapon was a 34-centimeter-long kitchen knife. The man had already confessed on the day of the murder. 

Sane at the time of the crime
The public prosecutor's office in Leoben will apply for the accused to be placed in a forensic therapeutic center. Although the accused was considered sane at the time of the crime, he is likely to have committed the crime under the influence of a serious and lasting mental disorder. Two forensic and psychiatric experts and three witnesses have been summoned to the trial. 

The Styrian is facing a prison sentence of ten to 20 years or life imprisonment, as well as placement in a forensic therapy center.