- The death of a six-year-old: trial continues in Innsbruck
In the trial for the murder of his six-year-old son Leon, an expert in DNA traces testified. The expert had examined many items from the crime scene and the clothing of the father and son. On the likely final day of the trial at the Regional Court of Innsbruck, it became clear that only the defendant's own fingerprints were found on his wallet and smartphone.
The 39-year-old suspect from Germany is accused of pushing his mentally disabled son into a flood-swollen river during a walk in the summer of 2022. The body was later found on a sandbank. The man vehemently denies the crime, claiming instead that he was attacked and knocked unconscious by an unknown person. During this time, he believes Leon must have climbed out of the stroller and fallen into the river.
If no new evidence is presented, the eight jurors will deliberate over the guilt or innocence of the 39-year-old later today. In case of a deadlock, the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" applies. The suspect's wife testified in court that her husband would never be capable of murdering his beloved son.
The case is now being handed over to The Court of First Instance for further investigation due to the lack of concrete evidence against the suspect. Regardless of the jury's decision in The Court of First Instance, the suspect maintains his innocence and may appeal the verdict if convicted.
