Dead boy in Kitzbüheler Ache: murder trial against father begins

Before the trial began, there was great interest from the media and the public. In addition to numerous Austrian press representatives, German TV stations also showed great interest, as the defendant is a German citizen.

The 39-year-old entered the jury room calmly, under a barrage of flashbulbs, and faced the jury and Judge Andreas Fleckl. His experienced and well-known lawyer Albert Heiss had declared his client’s innocence in a brief statement to journalists before the trial. The defense would base its case on “inadequate investigation procedures.” They also wanted to show what a loving relationship existed between the father and his son, who suffered from health problems.

Robbery or murder?

In the case that caused a great stir, it was originally assumed that the father had been robbed. It looked as if the man had been knocked unconscious and robbed by an unknown person with a bottle on a promenade next to the Ache during the night. The six-year-old is said to have gotten out of the stroller on his own, fallen into the flooded Ache and drowned there. But after months of intensive investigations, during which no hot lead on the alleged robber emerged, the 39-year-old himself became the target and was finally arrested on February 27, 2023. Concrete investigation results are said to be heavily incriminating against him.

In view of the considerable scope of the proceedings, three hearings have been scheduled for the jury trial. 25 witnesses are to be heard. The trial will also take place this Thursday and on August 1st.