- A Former Military Personnel Encountering Crisis Situation
The elderly man, who eliminated his ailing feline with a bullet, fortified his family home with explosives and weaponry to deter an impending eviction. A retired soldier was given a year's suspended jail sentence for fortifying his house with heavy firearms.
The 63-year-old was indicted on charges of disturbing public order, defying law enforcement officers, planning an explosion, and neglecting animal welfare. However, he was found not guilty of all counts.
"I slipped up"
The defense did not challenge the account of January 23 in the secluded community of Unterkirnach, Black Forest. At the outset of the trial at Villingen-Schwenningen District Court, there was an acknowledgment: "I know I messed up, I wouldn't do it again. But it just happened," said the marksman.
He argued he was at his wit's end. His parents had passed away after years of intensive care, and he was grappling with health and financial issues. The prospect of losing his family home to eviction was the final straw.
As per the prosecution, the man aimed to demolish the property, which no longer belonged to him, and take his own life. He was in an unstable emotional state, taking medication, and was likely not entirely in control. The judge ordered therapy and 100 hours of community service for the defendant, along with a €10,000 fine.
Siege situation
His threats to detonate the house and himself resulted in severe consequences for the residential area and taxpayers, the judge remarked. Neighbors were evacuated, and heavily armed special forces and armored vehicles were deployed. The operation lasted for several hours.
Via a kitchen window, the defendant offered samples of explosives to the law enforcement officers to demonstrate the gravity of his intentions, investigators stated. Negotiations with the "calm" ex-soldier continued for twelve hours before he surrendered peacefully.
Dead animal was a plea for help
Since the situation didn't escalate and the defendant surrendered voluntarily, the accusation of planning an explosion was withdrawn. The cat's demise also had no further bearing on the trial. "The cat was a cry for help, not an act of cruelty," the prosecutor stated during the trial's side discussions.
The court agreed with the explanations and convicted the 63-year-old only of resisting law enforcement in a severe case and endangering public order. Probation was set at three years, during which the defendant is prohibited from committing any offenses. The verdict is not yet final.
A wealth of weapons
The inventory of weapons discovered in the house after the operation was extensive, as per the indictment, including 17 practice grenades, three electric detonators, 20 pyrotechnic devices, gunpowder, and lightbulbs. Ignition devices were planted on the floor and doorframes to ignite gasoline upon entry by unauthorized individuals.
"In the event of ignition, the building would have been completely destroyed, along with possibly neighboring houses," the prosecutor said. Gas supply in the residential area was temporarily halted as a preventive measure.
The defendant was well-versed in weapons due to his military background. He was a high-ranking officer responsible for arms security, testified the 63-year-old in court. He also inspected domestic and foreign units for NATO.
Following his military career, he established himself as an independent IT service provider. His career was curtailed by his parents' demanding care requirements. "Everything came tumbling down around me." He had to seek assistance earlier than anticipated. However, this was challenging for him. "I was trained as a lone survivor. I was taught to handle matters on my own."
The defense argued that the elderly man's actions, including the death of the other animal, were a cry for help due to his dire circumstances and emotional state. Despite the wealth of weapons found in his home, the court only convicted him of resisting law enforcement in a severe case and endangering public order.
Recognizing the ex-soldier's military background, the judge acknowledged the extensive arsenal found in his home, including weapons and explosives, but ultimately saw his actions as a desperate attempt to cope with his troubles rather than a threat to public safety.
