A 52-year-old man in Völs, Tyrol, has been sentenced to twelve years in prison for murdering a 75-year-old former local politician using an axe-like object. The Innsbruck Regional Court jury unanimously found him guilty, though there was debate about his mental responsibility. Despite his claims of a heated argument leading to the attack, psychiatric evaluations revealed he was aware of his actions. The victim’s body was discovered a week later, prompting the man’s arrest.
Murder Case in Tyrol: Man Sentenced to Twelve Years
In a shocking incident that took place in Völs, Tyrol, a 52-year-old man has been sentenced to twelve years of unconditional imprisonment for the murder of a 75-year-old former local politician. The jury trial, held at the Innsbruck Regional Court, revealed that the defendant used an axe-like object to inflict fatal injuries on the victim’s head and neck.
The jury’s decision was unanimous regarding the defendant’s guilt in committing murder, though there was some division concerning his criminal responsibility, with a close vote of five to three on that matter. Judge Andrea Wegscheider highlighted several mitigating factors that led to the twelve-year sentence, including the defendant’s clean criminal record and his confession. She noted that the defendant was significantly impaired in his criminal responsibility at the time of the incident, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
Details of the Incident and Trial Proceedings
During the trial, the focus was primarily on the defendant’s mental state at the time of the crime. Psychiatric expert Adelheid Kastner confirmed his criminal responsibility, despite the defense arguing otherwise. The defendant recounted a troubling encounter on November 29, 2023, with the victim, whom he had considered a friend. Their conversation turned heated over a land rezoning issue, where the victim allegedly threatened him.
In a moment of anger, the defendant admitted to striking the victim with the first tool he could find, claiming he did not intend to kill him. Prosecutor Joachim Wüstner described the violent nature of the act, likening it to a scene from a horror movie, emphasizing the severity of the injuries inflicted. While the defense attorney, Albert Heiss, argued for his client’s lack of criminal responsibility due to mental health issues, expert Kastner disagreed, stating that while the defendant suffered from a severe personality disorder, he was aware of his actions at the time of the crime.
Ultimately, the jury’s decision to convict the defendant was influenced by the contrasting perspectives presented during the trial. The defendant’s history of personal loss and trauma was considered, but the court ultimately deemed him criminally responsible for the tragic death of the former politician.
The victim’s body was discovered a week after the murder, leading to the defendant’s arrest following a tip-off from an acquaintance. This case highlights the complexities of mental health in the judicial system and raises questions about accountability and the circumstances surrounding violent crimes.