Main defendant in Bonnevoie stabbing trial shows 'real empathy', says court psychiatrist

The trial for a fatal stabbing in Bonnevoie in 2021 began on Tuesday at the Luxembourg City District Court. Two defendants face charges of murder and intentional assault and battery.

The incident occurred on the evening of 26 January 2021, following a dispute over a cannabis deal that escalated and resulted in the death of one teenager from a stab wound to the heart.

According to the day's testimony, the events were set in motion when the main defendant, a minor, connected with another individual on the OmeTV app, which allows for random connections with people around the globe. That individual, the second defendant, then brought two friends into the conversation via a PlayStation gaming console – one of whom would become the victim.

A drug deal was subsequently arranged via Snapchat, leading the group to meet in Bonnevoie. The encounter quickly turned violent. The victim, armed with a truncheon, struck the main defendant and his friend.

In court, the main defendant testified that he had brought a knife to the meeting because he had been attacked in the area twice before. He claimed he drew the weapon only when the victim approached him, intending to scare the group away after they allegedly refused to pay for the drugs.

The defendant stated that after he brandished the knife, he was struck hard in the face. He alleged that he then stabbed forward in a panic, unaware the knife had made contact. The single stab wound was eight centimetres deep and pierced the victim's heart. The victim collapsed after taking a few steps backwards.

Psychiatrist says main defendant shows "real empathy"

The trial also heard that the second defendant sustained a less severe stab wound to the groin, for which he received hospital treatment. The main defendant denies inflicting this injury. Throughout the proceedings, the two co-defendants maintained maximum distance from one another in the dock.

While investigators could not definitively rule out the involvement of a second knife, no such weapon was ever found.
A court-appointed psychiatrist assessed the main defendant as showing genuine remorse and "real empathy" for the victim's family. The expert further testified that the young man does not present a risk of reoffending.

In a related matter, the main defendant's friend, who was involved in the brawl with the intent to sell drugs, is scheduled to appear before a youth court after the conclusion of the current trial.

The victim's family is participating in the proceedings as a civil party and is seeking €500,000 in damages.

The trial is set to continue on Wednesday afternoon with further testimony from investigative witnesses.