In Vienna, a regional court has commenced the trial of an 18-year-old accused of sexually abusing and abandoning a 19-year-old woman, leading to her untimely death. The incident took place during an afterparty, where the woman was in a vulnerable state due to drug and psychotropic substances. The accused denies the charges and claims to have memory gaps, perplexing the prosecutor and defense alike.
The accused presents an alternative perspective, suggesting that the encounter might have been consensual, but his intoxication hinders him from recollecting events. He expresses remorse for the incident and remains haunted by its aftermath. The exact time of the woman’s death remains uncertain, but the rescue call came “hours too late.” The defense argues that the accused may not have comprehended the gravity of the situation when he discovered her condition.
The trial revolves around a party that occurred in the previous December, involving alcohol and prohibited substances. At some point, the woman lost consciousness or fell asleep, and the accused allegedly took advantage of her defenseless state. Instead of seeking help, he removed her lifeless body from the apartment and left her in the stairwell. Despite residents alerting the rescue team, their efforts were in vain.
Witness testimonies from acquaintances who attended the party reveal varying accounts. The accused’s behavior was described as “fearful and impaired,” while the woman appeared disoriented and closed off. Witnesses recall the accused being hyperactive, distributing alcoholic drinks. Before departing, they measured the woman’s pulse, which led them to believe she was stable.
However, two vital witnesses, a pair of brothers, failed to appear in court due to being on vacation until September. This absence poses a challenge for both the defense and prosecution.
The trial underscores the intricacies surrounding the case, as the accused denies the charges, and medical experts find his memory gaps medically inexplicable. The incident raises crucial questions about consent, intoxication, and accountability, adding complexity to the legal proceedings. The hearing will extend for two days, with the next date scheduled for August 8th.