Verdict - After the death of the Marbach Firewoman: 14 years of imprisonment
Desperately, their colleagues try to revive the young firewoman, but it's too late: The 28-year-old has been dead for some time. The Heilbronn Regional Court is convinced that her husband is responsible for her death. The 29-year-old man is sentenced to 14 years in prison for manslaughter and especially serious arson by the court.
"There are very complex indications that can be combined, which give a clear result," said the presiding judge during the sentencing. "And there is no doubt that the acts were committed as we have determined." Relieved family members and friends of the woman gathered around the courtroom after the trial.
Firefighter sets fire
The defendant, also engaged with the Fire Department, is suspected of rendering his victim unconscious, suffocating her, and carrying her body into the basement of a neighboring house in Marbach am Neckar during a nightly argument about a separation in August. He then allegedly set a fire in the basement to cover up the crime. Dozens of unsuspecting neighbors were left behind. However, three residents of the house had heard the argument and later called the fire department.
"The event lasted for some time, but it was not long-planned," said the judge. The defendant's behavior in attempting to cover up his crime in the basement gives a more spontaneous impression. However, his plan almost went unnoticed, the judge added.
"If it hadn't been for certain inconsistencies in the initial investigations and an autopsy, it could have been successful," the judge said. In addition to DNA traces, head wounds on the corpse, and a grill lighter at the scene of the fire, there were also witnesses who claimed to have seen the defendant after the crime.
Judgment close to the prosecutor's demand
The judgment is close to the prosecutor's demand. She had demanded 15 years in prison for the German for manslaughter, especially serious arson, and attempted murder, as the neighboring house had 35 residents.
The defense attorney even argued for a life sentence for murder, while the defense lawyer argued for acquittal. There are too many speculations and assumptions, she argued. The defendant remained silent during the trial regarding the charges.
The judgment is not yet legally binding. The defendant and the prosecution can both file a revision against the judgment within one week.
The firewoman hailed from the city of Heilbronn, located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The act of arson was committed in Marbach am Neckar, a neighboring town. The criminal proceedings took place at the Heilbronn Regional Court.
The defendant's actions resulted in two charges: manslaughter and especially serious arson. The court delivered a judgment of 14 years in prison, falling slightly short of the prosecutor's request for 15 years.
Throughout the court process, the defendant remained silent, leaving the judges to rely on the evidence presented, which included DNA traces, head wounds on the corpse, and a grill lighter at the scene of the fire.
