Final judgment

Life imprisonment for brutal murder of girlfriend

Beaten up, locked up and suffocated: On Monday, the Higher Regional Court of Graz confirmed the life sentence for a 31-year-old Carinthian man following the murder of his girlfriend in Styria. The verdict is therefore final.

In March 2023, a 31-year-old man killed his girlfriend in Raaba, south of Graz, during an argument by kneeling on her neck and suffocating her. The public prosecutor spoke of "prolonged, massive violence" that led to the woman's death. The defendant confessed. "He is terribly sorry, he didn't mean to kill her," emphasized the defence lawyer. "It doesn't matter what I say", added the Carinthian, who has several previous convictions, "nobody will bring her back".

In the last three days before the murder, there had been several arguments, during which the woman - the couple had met during alcohol withdrawal and continued drinking together - suffered serial rib fractures and severe internal injuries.

The appeal hearing took place at the Higher Regional Court on Monday. The 31-year-old was hoping for a reduction in his sentence. However, the senate rejected this and the life sentence is now final.