Murder trial in Tyrol: truck driver pleaded “partially guilty”

He was accused of killing a 35-year-old fellow countryman with multiple stab wounds after an argument in May 2023 in a motorway parking lot in Inzing (Innsbruck-Land). After his arrest, the defendant made a full confession. At the start of the trial he pleaded “partially guilty”.

• From the archive: Murder alarm in Tyrol: Dead man found in car parking lot

The defendant, who was heavily intoxicated at the time of the crime, “remembered little” when questioned by Judge Helga Moser. However, the Polish truck driver said it could be “good” that he had injured his work colleague with a knife. A little later, he surprisingly revised this version slightly: In addition to him, there was also another “unknown man” who injured his colleague.

“Test of strength” under the influence of beer and vodka

For the prosecutor, however, the matter was clear in her opening statement. “The two work colleagues agreed to meet at the rest stop after work and wanted to eat and drink something together,” she said. Later, under the influence of beer and vodka, there was a “show of strength,” which was followed by a serious argument. The defendant finally gave his victim a “first stab” in the car and when he fled outside between two vehicles, he delivered eleven more stabs. “He at least accepted that his colleague would die in the process,” explained the public prosecutor and pleaded murder.

The defendant’s defense attorney did not deny the stabbings. “My client, however, only speaks of three stitches.” However, there was never any “intent to murder”; manslaughter had to be assumed due to the massive alcohol consumption. In addition, the defendant was in a “violent emotional state”.

Defended with a knife

The 36-year-old stated in interviews after his arrest that he and his future victim had gotten into an argument while heavily intoxicated. He defended himself with a knife after his opponent hit him. The two then got into their vehicles and the defendant fell asleep. However, the 35-year-old died from his serious injuries in the driver’s cab of the small truck. He wasn’t discovered until the next day. If found guilty, the Pole faces a prison sentence of between ten and 20 years or life in prison.

info By clicking on the icon you can add the keyword to your topics.

info
By clicking on the icon you open your “my topics” page. They have of 15 keywords saved and would have to remove keywords.

info By clicking on the icon you can remove the keyword from your topics.

Add the topic to your topics.