Drama in Vorarlberg

Mother (78) suffocated: Daughter under suspicion

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Shock in Mäder (Vorarlberg): A 78-year-old woman was found lifeless in an apartment at the weekend. According to the police, the daughter is suspected of being responsible for her mother's death.

The community of Mäder is in a state of shock and there are serious suspicions that the tranquil village right on the border with Switzerland was the scene of a capital crime. But first things first: On Sunday, a 78-year-old woman was found lifeless in her home by her relatives. A doctor who was called in was only supposed to determine the death, but according to the police, he may have noticed "irregularities", which is why officers from the Vorarlberg State Office of Criminal Investigation immediately began an investigation.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Autopsy gives clear clues
The forensic examinations and the autopsy findings produced a clear result: the woman had been suffocated. "We assume that the deceased was held down and her mouth and nose were held shut," said an LKA spokesperson in an interview with the "Krone" newspaper.

The 56-year-old daughter of the victim is a strong suspect - the police did not want to say anything about the exact background for the time being for tactical reasons. Only this much: the daughter had visited her mother again and again and also regularly spent the night with her, nothing is known about a quarrel. The 56-year-old was arrested on Tuesday by order of the Feldkirch public prosecutor's office. Further questioning about the family drama is still pending, but according to initial information from the "Krone" newspaper, the suspect is also likely to be remanded in custody.