Murder trial in Vienna-Penzing: 36-year-old accused of strangling friend
A 36-year-old is being prosecuted for murder at Vienna Regional Court. He is alleged to have strangled a friend and hidden the body under his bed for weeks.
Murder charge following decomposed body discovered under bed in Vienna-Penzing
On Friday, Vienna Regional Court heard proceedings against a 36-year-old who is alleged to have strangled a male acquaintance in Vienna-Penzing in spring and kept the body in his flat for weeks. This is reported by sn.at.
The heavily decomposed body was not discovered until the night of 3 April, after neighbours alerted police due to the smell. According to a forensic pathologist, death was caused by neck compression resulting from prolonged strangulation.
The autopsy also revealed cut wounds in the neck and nape region. According to the final indictment, these injuries did not necessarily occur during the victim's lifetime, which is why "ultimately, an attempt at post-mortem dismemberment in the sense of attempted destruction of the corpse cannot be ruled out". The body was wrapped in plastic sheeting and placed under the bed of the accused.
According to the defendant's statement, the two acquainted men had met in his flat to consume drug substitute preparations and alcohol. A dispute allegedly ensued, during which the act was committed.
The accused is represented by defence counsel Anita Schattner and refuses to admit guilt with regard to intent to kill.
Source: Kleine Zeitung