Murder in erotic studio

Public prosecutor’s office rules out “religious motive”

The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office (StA) spoke to media representatives on Thursday about the case of the three sex workers killed in an Asian studio in Brigittenau on February 23. "We are not assuming a religious motive", said Nina Bussek, spokesperson for the authorities. 

There is "a mental illness of the suspect in the room", whereby this question will be clarified by an expert opinion, as Bussek explained. The expert opinion will determine whether the 27-year-old, who allegedly stabbed the three women with massive violence, was at all sane at the time of the crime.

Psychiatric expert opinion still pending
Furthermore, the psychiatric expert must assess whether the man poses a danger, which would be a basic requirement for placing him in a so-called forensic-therapeutic center in accordance with Section 21 (1) of the Criminal Code and thus in a correctional facility.

Identity of two victims clarified
As far as the victims are concerned, the identity of two of those killed has now been established. "They are an Austrian and a Chinese citizen," explained Bussek. She did not want to give any age details. The third victim is believed to have been in Austria illegally - the identity of this woman is still unclear. All three women were "killed with several stab wounds", said Bussek, referring to the final autopsy results.

Psychological abnormalities
Philipp Springer (Lessiak & Partner law firm), the 27-year-old's legal representative, had already described his client as a "mentally ill person" at the end of February. This assessment is likely to be supported by a brother of the man from Afghanistan, who made himself available to the authorities involved in the case as a source of information via video call. His statements are said to show that the 27-year-old had already exhibited psychological problems before fleeing to Europe.