Solothurn: Murder trial of young man following fatal attack on cyclist
A case is being heard before Solothurn court in which a then 19-year-old allegedly fatally injured a randomly chosen woman on her way home. The prosecution is demanding a life sentence plus therapeutic detention.
Solothurn: Murder trial of young man following fatal attack on cyclist
A criminal proceeding before the District Court of Solothurn is dealing with a fatal attack in April 2023. A young adult allegedly attacked and killed a woman who was completely unknown to him as she was travelling home.
According to the charges, the accused was driving a van on the evening of 8 April 2023. Initially he wanted to attend a party in Basel, but this plan failed. On the return journey towards home, it occurred to him at a junction to kill a person.
Shortly afterwards, he spotted a young woman on an e-bike. She was on her way to her grandparents' house. The accused turned around and pursued her with his vehicle. He rammed her from behind, causing her to fall. However, she remained uninjured and was able to get up.
When the perpetrator realised that his victim was still alive, he got out and attempted to strike her with blows. The woman defended herself and fled. However, the man caught up with her. In a field, he strangled her until she showed no signs of life. He then returned to the vehicle and loaded the bicycle inside.
From a distance, he noticed that the woman was moving again. He drove towards her once more and ran her over as she was crouching. The young woman succumbed to her injuries.
The public prosecutor's office accuses the defendant of acting with particular recklessness. He had had the opportunity at several points to abandon his plan. In court, he barely commented on his motives. He admitted to having taken drugs in the period before the offence. He stated for the record that he could understand the public viewing him as a monster.
The prosecutor pleaded for a life sentence and residential treatment pursuant to Article 59 of the Swiss Criminal Code, the so-called "minor custody". The custodial sentence was to be suspended in favour of therapy. A psychiatric expert suspected the defendant had a personality disorder characterised by pronounced self-centredness and insecurity. A desire for the exercise of power had likely played a role. In her view, treatment would extend over a longer period of time.
The defence requested a conviction with eleven years' imprisonment, also suspended in favour of therapeutic measures. The accused has been in pre-trial detention for three years. The verdict is due on 30 June.
Source: SRF
Source: SRF