Activities or steps taken to achieve a goal - Daily Embarrassment: Teen Confesses Post-Fatal Accident Regrets
During the start of a neglected murder trial at the Mönchengladbach District Court, the defendant expressed remorse. "I always think about the victims and their family," shared the 19-year-old on the first day. The electronics specialist stands accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in November 2023. He is alleged to have driven at 70 km/h through a red light in Hückelhoven and crashed into a heavily pregnant woman on the pedestrian crossing. The 31-year-old sustained severe injuries and succumbed to her wounds in the hospital soon after. Tragically, the unborn child also perished.
In his testimony, the 19-year-old confessed to having consumed alcohol in the afternoon leading up to the accident. In his own words, he declared, "I can't remember the incident, but I'm sorry" to the family of the victims. "I feel ashamed of myself daily," remarked the 19-year-old.
The partner of the deceased woman witnessed the accident. Through teary eyes, he recounted how they had taken an evening stroll after dinner. As it was already dark, they chose not to walk through the park. He recalled waiting at a pedestrian crossing, around 50 meters from home, for the green light to appear. The approaching car prompted him to take two steps forward; upon turning to check on the person behind him, he saw the woman being struck by the vehicle. She was thrown to the opposite lane. Prompt action from passersby ensued. During the onset of the trial, several family members and friends of the 31-year-old were found in the courtroom, with visible tears in their eyes as witness accounts were shared.
The defendant is charged with leaving the scene of the crime to hide his drunken driving. A witness pursued him and confronted him. The defendant was initially confined in pre-trial detention, later released on probation. If convicted, he faces an extended prison term. Over the course of the trial, three more hearings are set to take place in the Juvenile Court.
