Jealousy in Vienna

Man scalded to death: expert confirms danger to life

The victim was doused with hot water from this pot (above) and had to be given artificial respiration for three weeks (symbolic image)(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Krone Kreativ)

An attempted murder investigation against a mother of three from Vienna-Simmering. The 32-year-old is said to have poured boiling water over her partner lying in bed. An expert opinion is now available that rules out a recorded version of the incident.  

The allegations against a 32-year-old woman are shocking. As reported by the "Krone" newspaper, the woman in Vienna-Simmering is said to have poured scalding hot water from a saucepan over her partner's face and upper body when he snapped in the bedroom. The motive is said to be jealousy.

30 percent of the body surface scalded
The expert report has now been received. According to the report, the victim suffered second-degree scalding on around 30 percent of the body surface: "The suspected course of events is likely to cause danger to life. Especially because vulnerable regions of the face and neck were particularly affected," the report states. Shock or sepsis are possible life-threatening complications that can occur after such a scalding.

Lawyer Constantin-Adrian Nițu represents the mother of three.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Stefan Seelig)

The injury had caused very severe pain - the victim therefore had to be put into deep sleep and artificially ventilated for three weeks.

Exonerating statements by the victim implausible
According to lawyer Constantin-Adrian Nitu, the alleged perpetrator, who is not in custody, and her victim have reconciled: in his most recent police interrogation, the man testified that he had inflicted the injuries himself through clumsiness. He thus exonerated his wife.

The expert contradicts his version: "The fact that the victim held on to the pot as part of a fall can be ruled out due to the pattern of injuries."