In a gripping trial at the Korneuburg Regional Court, Bernadette H. faces accusations of attempting to poison her boyfriend, Andreas F., twice to inherit his wealth after faking a pregnancy. The case reveals a tumultuous relationship marked by deceit, leading to severe health consequences for Andreas, including a coma. Amidst the courtroom drama, unsettling revelations emerge, including Bernadette’s alleged framing of Andreas for a stabbing. As the trial progresses, the chilling nature of their connection raises profound questions.
Trial of Bernadette H.: A Chilling Tale of Betrayal
In a dramatic courtroom scene at the Korneuburg Regional Court, Bernadette H. captivates the audience with her innocent appearance, decked out in pious earrings, comfortable felt sneakers, and a tailored black suit. Known to court observers as the “cake lady” and, under grim circumstances, the “muffin witch,” this pastry chef is at the center of a disturbing case that reveals a web of deceit and danger.
Bernadette stands accused of attempting to poison her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Andreas F., not once but twice, with the intention of claiming his fortune as his designated heir after fabricating a pregnancy. The trial is set to span five days, and on the second day, the victim, a prosperous farmer and agricultural machinery mechanic, shared his harrowing experience. Following the first alleged poisoning, he suffered a significant loss of vision, now only able to make out shadows and outlines.
The Disturbing Events Unfold
Andreas, now 41, recounted how he first met Bernadette at a fair in Aderklaa, admitting, “I misjudged her.” Their brief romance began in 2018 but ended when he discovered she was seeing other men. After three years apart, they attempted to rekindle their relationship through a WhatsApp message.
The poisoning incident involving methyl alcohol and psilocybin mushrooms occurred on July 8, 2022, following a cocktail party. Andreas recounted, “She pulled two bottles from her bag, claiming they were the special drinks she had promised me. I hesitated to drink, but she convinced me that it would enhance our intimacy.” He described how she provocatively leaned against the doorway, teasing him about the cup’s location and tempting him to drink for a reward.
What followed was a nightmare; the next day, Andreas experienced severe symptoms that he initially mistook for a hangover. “I was vomiting every ten minutes,” he recalled. Eventually, he realized he needed medical help, and Bernadette arrived just as the ambulance did. His condition worsened, leading to a five-day coma, during which he was intubated and immobilized—an excruciating ordeal.
The alleged attempts on his life continued, with another incident on November 2, when Bernadette provided him with muffins and dietary supplements under the guise of improving his vision. This resulted in a blackout, and when he regained consciousness in the hospital, he was shocked to learn he had sustained wrist injuries, which he vehemently denied inflicting upon himself. “I’m a cheerful person,” he insisted, ultimately ending their tumultuous relationship.
In an unsettling twist, on May 16, 2023, Andreas awoke to find blood on his front door and discovered his phone was missing. Soon after, police arrested him, accusing him of stabbing Bernadette. He spent two months in jail until evidence emerged that she had orchestrated the murder attempt to frame him.
Now, as the trial unfolds, Bernadette finds herself in the defendant’s chair, facing serious allegations. The legal principle of presumption of innocence applies, but the chilling details of this case leave many questioning the true nature of their relationship.