Zürich: Trial of 26-year-old following two fatal drug cases
A young man faces trial before Zürich District Court, accused by prosecutors of failing to intervene promptly in two drug-related deaths. The prosecution is seeking a custodial sentence of several years.
Zürich: Trial of 26-year-old following two fatal drug cases
A 26-year-old man must face trial before Zürich District Court over two deaths that occurred in his flat within several months, both involving drug consumption. The public prosecutor's office accuses him of calling for help too late or not at all in both cases. It is seeking a custodial sentence of five years.
The first death dates back to June 2023. On that day, several people had been present in the defendant's flat and consumed various substances, including medication, cocaine and cannabis. One of those present, a 15-year-old girl, suddenly became unresponsive. The defendant attempted to rouse her but did not call the emergency doctor. Instead, he contacted a work colleague, who advised him to be more concerned about the police than about helping. More than three hours passed before the young man notified the authorities. In the meantime, he had moved the body from his flat into the building's stairwell.
The second incident occurred later that same year, less than half a year later. An acquaintance of the defendant had consumed heroin and alcohol in the same flat and subsequently became unconscious. He ultimately succumbed to respiratory arrest. The 26-year-old allegedly also failed to alert the emergency services promptly in this case. He dragged the lifeless body into the stairwell again before informing a carer. By that point, the man was already dead.
During police questioning, the defendant gave a different account of events. He claimed that a stranger had moved the deceased into the stairwell and that he himself had advised this unknown person to call the ambulance service. This account contradicts the findings of the investigation.
In addition to failing to render assistance, the prosecution also accuses the defendant of making dangerous substances accessible to a minor. The defence will present its own sentencing recommendation during the main hearing. The defendant has been remanded in custody on several occasions during the course of proceedings.
Source: Watson
Source: Google News CH — Crime (de)