Higher Regional Court Hanover - Deadly racing - Defendant poses riddle to experts
In the latest murder trial regarding a prohibited racing incident resulting in two dead children, experts testify that the defendants displayed manipulative tendencies. The statements of the 41-year-old woman "appeared manipulative, artificial, and rehearsed," according to forensic psychiatrist Felix Wedegaertner at the Hanover Regional Court. In the retrial, the question of whether the woman had a conditional intent to kill and threaten is crucial. The trial could potentially last longer, an additional trial day (25. July) was provisionally scheduled.
The communication of the woman was strategic and designed to deceive, it was "all very superficial," Wedegaertner stated. Expert Susanne Cordes Welzel explained that based on the limited materials, callousness and irresponsibility could be observed in the woman.
Possible murder charges
In the retrial, the 41-year-old Polish woman and the equally aged Italian-German co-defendant face serious consequences: Judge Britta Schlingmann stated at the trial opening that a possible verdict could include murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, and a prohibited car race resulting in death. Potential murder motives could be jealousy and low motives. The experts could not contribute much to the woman's personality. She did not come across as authentic in the conversation, Wedegaertner said.
The case must be retried at the Regional Court because the Federal Court of Justice overturned the previous judgment in April 2023 due to legal errors - the main defendant was sentenced to six years in prison, the co-defendant second driver to four years. Originally, the two 41-year-olds were charged with murder or accessory to murder, but were convicted of unlawful car racing resulting in death.
Possible additional witness testimonies?
The court found it proven that the 41-year-olds held an unlawful car race on a street in Barsinghausen near Hannover in February 2022. Allegedly, they were driving at up to 180 kilometers per hour next to each other - the speed limit was 70. In a curve, the woman lost control of her car, causing a collision with oncoming cars. The car of a family was thrown onto a field, the two and six-year-old boys strapped in the back seat died.
A defense attorney for the woman suggested additional witness testimonies due to the difficulties in forming a clear picture of the woman's personality. A daughter of the accused and colleagues were supposed to provide more clarity.
The trial could last longer than planned
Originally, three trial days were scheduled for the case, with the closing arguments set for today Friday. This was now postponed to the next term on the coming Wednesday, which was previously scheduled for the verdict announcement. This could potentially delay the proceedings.
- The defendants in the murder trial, including the 41-year-old woman from Poland and her Italian-German co-defendant, are currently under trial in Germany, specifically at the Higher Regional Court Hannover, due to a prohibited racing incident that resulted in two deaths.
- During the trial, the role of the author's races in the incident is being scrutinized, with expert testimonies suggesting manipulative tendencies and potential murder motives such as jealousy and low motives.
- Forensic psychiatrist Felix Wedegaertner and expert Susanne Cordes Welzel have discussed the strategic and deceptive communication of the Polish woman, noting her manipulative, artificial, and rehearsed statements.
- The retrial is particularly significant as the woman's conditional intent to kill and threaten is being questioned, and the trial could last longer, with an additional trial day provisionally scheduled for July 25th.
- The trial is taking place in Lower Saxony, specifically in Hannover, and has potential consequences for both defendants, including possible murder charges, attempted murder, and grievous bodily harm.
- Expert witnesses are being called in to provide insight into the defendants' personalities, with the woman's lack of authenticity and possible additional witness testimonies from her daughter and colleagues adding complexity to the puzzle of the case.
