- The accused is in court for the second time for murder
For the second time, a man is standing trial for the murder of his ex-partner, with the potential for a higher sentence this time: The case of the stabbed woman will be reheard starting Thursday (9:15 AM) at Verden Regional Court after a successful appeal. Initially, the court had sentenced the defendant to ten years and six months imprisonment for manslaughter.
Did he stab her out of jealousy?
According to the prosecution, the couple separated in April 2022. The defendant is alleged to have secretly watched his partner and repeatedly threatened her with death. In August 2022, the Bulgarian is said to have ambushed her outside her apartment in Bad Fallingbostel (Heidekreis district). He had attached a 14-centimeter-long knife blade to his hand with duct tape. When she returned with their child from a meeting with her new partner, he stabbed her. The woman suffered 20 stab wounds and died instantly.
Murder case to be reheard
According to the court, the defense presented an explanation during the first trial, stating that the now 36-year-old defendant denies intentionally injuring or killing his ex-partner. He claims to have acted in self-defense as the victim threatened him with pepper spray.
In March 2023, the court reached a different conclusion and convicted the defendant of manslaughter. There were no indications of murder, particularly premeditation, at that time. The civil party filed an appeal and won. The Federal Court of Justice overturned the verdict in the spring, as the evidence for the murder element of premeditation had not been properly considered. The case must now be reheard, and the defendant could potentially be convicted of murder this time. A verdict is expected by the end of September.
The initial verdict for the defendant was overturned due to insufficient consideration of the murder element's premeditation. This time, if found guilty of murder, the defendant could face a more severe sentence for the murdered ex-partner.
