Two men accused of murdering a 46-year-old employee at an Italian restaurant in Kirchberg on 16 April 2022 could each face 30 years in prison, as the prosecution argues they acted with shocking brutality and a total disregard for human life. During the second day of trial, the prosecutor also requested that a third accused, who allegedly allowed one of the perpetrators into the premises under false pretences, be acquitted on the grounds that he was seemingly unaware of the plan.
The murder, which occurred during a robbery that netted the attackers nearly €4,000, was described by the victim’s husband’s lawyer as an act of “inexplicable barbarity”.
According to court reports, one of the assailants strangled the woman while the other struck her on the head with pliers. After committing the act, the attackers destroyed the victim’s mobile phone and proceeded to spend the evening at a bar and nightclub.
Due to the shared and extreme violence used by the two men, the prosecutor is seeking identical sentences: 30 years in prison, with the possibility of a portion being suspended – details of which would be determined by the court. The third defendant, a 32-year-old man who had worked with one of the perpetrators and let him in under a pretext, appeared visibly emotional in court, breaking down in tears several times and hiding his face behind his hand.
The prosecutor argued he should be acquitted, as he was not informed of the criminal plan.
The representative of the prosecution condemned the “shocking indifference” of the accused towards human life. The lawyer for the victim’s husband emphasised the sheer brutality involved: “One grabs the woman by the neck, the other strikes her on the head with pliers. There is no moment of hesitation or question – ‘Who does what?’ – no room for doubt”, he illustrated, underlining the coordinated and ruthless nature of the attack.
He added that while it is conceivable that situations can spiral out of control, one would then normally try to correct the course and save a life. “In this case, however, the perpetrators destroyed the phone and went out to enjoy themselves that same evening”, the lawyer said.
Referring to the apologies made by the defendants to the victim’s relatives in court on Wednesday, the lawyer dismissed them as insufficient. “It is cowardly to say you don’t remember what happened or that you lost control”, he stated, insisting that the excuses offered were unacceptable to his client. “This is not a car accident or a case of drunken misjudgement. This is an act of inexplicable barbarity, grossly disproportionate.”
Another lawyer, representing four other civil parties from the victim’s family, echoed these sentiments, describing the murder as inhuman and cruel. She also highlighted that the crime could only have occurred because the third defendant opened the door, making the attack possible.
During the trial, none of the accused denied the facts. “I am not denying anything”, one of the defendants said. Both men involved in the killing declared they were present in court to take responsibility.
Despite these statements, no emotion was visible on their faces throughout the proceedings. Their lawyers pointed out that both had confessed and expressed remorse.
The verdict is expected on 19 June.
