Local Court in Mainz - Trial begins for pitchfork assault incident
A 32-year-old man from Bingen-Budesheim stands trial for allegedly killing one man and severely wounding another during a neighborhood argument. The trial commenced at the Mainz District Court on Tuesday, with the indictment's reading. The suspect's counsel stated that they will not confess to the accusations nor disclose personal details. Additionally, their client refused to engage with the court-assigned psychiatrist.
The Syrian defendant is charged with murder, attempted murder, and attempted grievous bodily harm. The alleged occurrence transpired following a disagreement with a neighbor. The indictment claims that the neighbor succeeded in calming down the 32-year-old man.
Around October 9, 2023, the neighbor was returning home with two friends in a pickup truck and spotted the defendant. One of the companions exited the vehicle to engage with the defendant, who is alleged to have assaulted him with a knife, causing 17 stab wounds.
Another man attempted to aid the first victim but was also injured and severely wounded before jumping into the truck with the driver to flee. The 26-year-old victim ultimately passed away on a country lane.
The neighbor piloting the truck reportedly drove into a garden and retrieved the injured man from the car, but the defendant surfaced and attacked once more, according to the prosecution. A local neighbor managed to seize the knife from the suspect, who subsequently acquired a shovel from the pickup truck and hurled it, but did not injure anyone.
Bystanders discovered the deceased 26-year-old lying on the country road and summoned the authorities, who later captured the defendant. The case's trial carries on on June 12 with testimonies from law enforcement agents. Additional hearing dates have been designated for the case as late as August.
