- Woman killed - prosecution wants life for ex-partner
In the trial of a 23-year-old woman from Netphen near Siegen, who was found murdered, the prosecution has demanded a life sentence for her former partner. The 24-year-old Syrian national is accused of stabbing the young woman to death with multiple knife wounds on a field path in Emmerich near the German-Dutch border.
The defense pleaded for a "conditional prison sentence" on Monday at the regional court, as reported by a court spokeswoman. This means a sentence of up to 15 years, she explained. The verdict is expected to be announced on Wednesday.
The victim and the defendant have two children together. Earlier, it was reported that the youth welfare office had taken them into care. The 23-year-old had gone missing in August 2023 and was searched for extensively. A farmer found the body.
According to the prosecution, the couple had traveled to the Netherlands with both children and another person, who was described as a witness, by car. On the way back, the alleged murder is said to have taken place. The defendant is said to have forced his partner to perform oral sex on the so-called witness. When the woman knelt down, the defendant is said to have stabbed her in the back with the knife. The witness has not been charged.
The initial investigation revealed several instances of domestic violence leading up to the tragic incident, highlighting underlying issues of [crime]. The defense argued that the defendant had a history of mental health issues and was under the influence of drugs during the time of the alleged crime.
