A district court has determined that a 40-year-old man is not criminally responsible for the attempted murder and attempted rape of a 14-year-old girl in a forest near Olten in 2020. The court imposed a five-year inpatient therapeutic measure instead of prison, acknowledging the defendant’s mental health issues, including schizophrenia. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding mental health and accountability within the legal system, with the possibility of an appeal pending.
Verdict on Attempted Murder Case in Olten
A district court has ruled that a 40-year-old man is not criminally responsible for attempted murder and attempted rape of a 14-year-old girl in a forest near Olten in 2020. The court’s decision comes after both the prosecution and defense agreed on the defendant’s lack of criminal responsibility, leading to a five-year inpatient therapeutic measure rather than a prison sentence.
Details of the Disturbing Incident
The horrific event gained national attention as the young victim was seriously injured during her jog. The man attacked her, stabbing her multiple times before attempting to rape her. It was only when she pretended to be dead that he ceased his assault. A passerby later discovered her, highlighting the life-threatening nature of the attack. The court classified the actions as attempted murder, recognizing the serious risk posed to the teenager’s life.
Authorities apprehended the suspect the night of the attack, recovering his phone and the weapon used in the crime. Investigations revealed that he was also linked to six additional sexual and violent offenses in the Olten area. The accused has faced multiple charges of attempted rape, although he was acquitted in two lesser cases.
During the proceedings, the court outlined that the acts committed were classified as attempted murder, attempted qualified rape, sexual coercion, and sexual acts with a minor. However, it noted that, legally, the actions did not qualify as rape due to the absence of penetration.
The judge clarified that the man’s psychotic state during the incidents was pivotal in determining his criminal responsibility. He has been diagnosed with a type of schizophrenia characterized by psychotic disorders, which has affected him for years. According to psychiatric evaluations, he has been hearing voices for over two decades and was under significant mental distress at the time of the offenses.
While the man admitted to the crimes, he refrained from discussing the allegations in court. Currently, he is undergoing early preventive detention in a treatment facility and has expressed a willingness to participate in therapy, despite a noted high risk of relapse.
The prosecution sought a five-year inpatient measure for his actions, emphasizing the need for ongoing psychiatric care. However, there were concerns from victims’ advocates about the implications of his schizophrenia, fearing it might be used as a defense against accountability. Meanwhile, the defense also argued for his criminal irresponsibility.
The verdict remains subject to appeal, meaning it is not yet finalized. The case continues to raise important discussions about mental health and criminal responsibility in the legal system.