Murder trial in Dresden: 30-year-old accused of killing baby while gaming
A 30-year-old man is facing murder charges before Dresden Regional Court for the death of a nine-month-old infant. Prosecutors point to disruptions during video gaming as the motive.
Prosecution: Shaken baby syndrome during gaming session
A 30-year-old man has recently appeared before Dresden Regional Court to face murder charges in connection with the death of a nine-month-old infant. According to 20 Minuten, citing the Bild newspaper, the defendant is alleged to have fatally injured his then-girlfriend's son in September 2025 whilst supervising the child.
The prosecution accuses him of inflicting severe head injuries on the boy through violent shaking or blunt force trauma. The baby died later in hospital. Doctors established three skull fractures and bleeding in the spinal canal. Investigators also found evidence of earlier skull injuries.
The prosecution suggests as a possible motive that the man felt disturbed by the child in his everyday life – particularly during video gaming. In court, the defendant spoke at length about the online game "Apex Legends" and his own performance in it: "I had the highest distinction." However, he denied any direct connection between the game and the act.
The court also noted remarkably frequent memory gaps in the defendant's account. He indicated he would address the specific charges at a later court date.
In 2018, the man previously faced court proceedings after allegedly shaking his then-infant daughter, who is now ten years old and suffered permanent damage. The defendant was acquitted at that time. According to media reports, the prosecution is now reviewing whether to reopen that case.
Source: 20 Minuten