Woman killed with a branch

The insane act of a “good husband”

In front of the house where the 62-year-old died, there are now grave candles and flowers in her memory.

(Bild: Zwefo/Zwefo, Krone KREATIV)

They were long considered a dream couple. She - the successful doctor. He - the devoted family man. But then, on October 4, the 66-year-old killed his wife with a branch. The "Krone" investigated the events leading up to the unbelievable crime.

It was a spooky, terrifying scene that took place in the early morning of October 4 in an apartment building in Vienna's Hernals district. A gaunt man in dark clothing was standing on one of the balconies, holding an object - "similar to a baseball bat", as passers-by later reported - in his hands; he repeatedly swung it and struck towards the ground.

Desperate screams from a woman - "Stop it! Stop it! Stop, please stop!" - could be heard at first, soon only a loud moan. And then it was suddenly completely silent

Several people had alerted the police by cell phone because of these horrendous incidents, several police cars were quickly on the scene and officers ran to the apartment belonging to the loggia in question. Rafat Z. (66) opened the door and seemed surprisingly calm as he explained: "Come in, my wife is lying outside."