The article was last updated at 4:59 p.m.
A 32-year-old is said to have poisoned her partner at the time in the Gänserndorf district in 2022, who almost went blind as a result. Later she probably gave him muffins laced with sleeping pills and inflicted cuts on his forearm. The defendant pleaded guilty but denied the attempted murder. The hearing will continue on Wednesday.
Poisoned and almost blinded
The prosecutor described the actions of the accused as “almost unique” in terms of manipulation and cold-bloodedness. At its core, the jury trial is about three points: two attempted murders and a fake knife attack. The accused Lower Austrian is said to have initially given her then partner methanol and psilocybin-containing mushrooms (magic mushrooms) in a drink on July 8, 2022 at a party. The 42-year-old then became almost blind and suffered methanol poisoning. The prosecutor emphasized in her opening speech that the death was only prevented by intensive medical therapy including blood washing.
“Special drink” brewed
The 32-year-old reported quite extensively during her interview. With a view to July 8, 2022, she outlined a boozy party evening with friends including a homemade “special drink” (a teaspoon of chopped mushrooms, schnapps, cola and ice cream) and punch. The defendant later gave the investigators three bottles in which methanol was found. “If I had known that, I wouldn’t have served,” said the accused. “I’m very sorry” that her ex-partner almost went blind.
Muffins and tablets
Another murder attempt is said to have occurred on the night of November 3, 2022. After eating muffins and tablets – he was given large amounts of the drugs Rohypnol and Sirdalud – the 42-year-old was taken to hospital with cuts on his forearm.
“Very narrowly survived”
The defendant identified a suicide attempt as a result of the end of the relationship she had previously announced. “I was afraid for him and afraid of him in this situation.” In fact, it is alleged that she herself inflicted the wounds on the man. Only through rapid medical treatment and not opening the forearm artery was it likely that the murder attempt was avoided. According to the public prosecutor, the 42-year-old “only barely survived”. The motive is that the accused was named as the sole heir in her partner’s will and would have received assets worth around three million euros upon his death.
Attempted murder faked
Investigations against the 32-year-old later began. In mid-May 2023, the defendant was taken to hospital with abdominal injuries and reported a knife attack by her now ex-partner. The man was taken into custody, but was released again. An investigation against him for attempted murder was dropped. According to a report, the 42-year-old would not have been able to act accordingly due to his severely impaired vision. Other information provided by the accused was also contradictory. Extensive investigations revealed that the 32-year-old allegedly faked the attempted murder of her, inflicted self-inflicted stomach stabs and other injuries and prepared traces. The woman was finally arrested on July 14 of the previous year.
“That was completely stupid”
“That was completely stupid and I did it in desperation,” said the Lower Austrian about the fake knife attack. She claims to have had support from an acquaintance during the planning and execution. In view of the ongoing investigation, they wanted to accuse her 42-year-old ex-partner of serious bodily harm: “In the hope that people will then believe me more again.”
Multiple false statements
The defendant is also accused of having made false statements to the criminal police several times and of having incited other people – including her underage daughter while in custody – to make false allegations. In addition, she is accused of defaming several people in order to conceal her actions. The 32-year-old’s acquaintance, who, according to the accused, was involved in the fake knife attack, also ended up temporarily in custody. The defendant pleaded guilty to many of the allegations of false evidence and defamation.
Sane despite personality disorder
The situation is completely different with the two attempted murders. The 32-year-old firmly denies this, as defense attorney Sascha Flatz explained in his opening statement. In both cases, the rescue chain was set in motion by the accused. In addition, his client was not in a financial situation, which meant that financial distress was no longer a motive.
According to a report, the Lower Austrian suffers from a personality disorder, but is sane. In addition to a sentence, the public prosecutor’s office has requested placement in a forensic therapeutic center in accordance with Section 21 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code. The trial will continue on Wednesday and the victim will be questioned. Further dates are scheduled for Thursday and November 12th, with a verdict scheduled for November 13th.
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**Interview with Dr. Lisa Schwarz, Forensic Psychologist, on Recent Poisoning Case**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Schwarz. The case of the 32-year-old woman accused of poisoning her partner is quite alarming and complex. What are your initial impressions?
**Dr. Schwarz:** Thank you for having me. My initial impression is that this case raises significant questions about the motivations behind such extreme actions. The manipulation involved, particularly with substances like methanol and psilocybin mushrooms, indicates a calculated approach that goes beyond mere impulsive behavior.
**Interviewer:** Yes, the prosecutor referred to her actions as ”almost unique” in terms of cold-bloodedness. How do you interpret that characterization?
**Dr. Schwarz:** It suggests a high level of premeditation and intentional harm. In forensic psychology, we often look at such behaviors to assess personality disorders or traits that might influence an individual’s decision-making. The defendant’s claim of a personality disorder raises the question of her understanding of her actions at the time—whether she had the capacity to fully grasp the implications of her actions.
**Interviewer:** The case involves attempted murder charges and even faked attacks. How difficult is it for the jury to navigate the complexities of such a narrative?
**Dr. Schwarz:** Very difficult. Jurors must discern truth from manipulation, which can be quite challenging, especially when the accused is claiming mental health issues. It’s crucial for jurors to understand the psychological aspects at play, including motives like financial gain, which was evident here, given her status as the sole heir.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of financial motives, how significant do you think the inheritance angle is in understanding her actions?
**Dr. Schwarz:** The potential for financial gain is a strong motive in cases of attempted murder involving partners. It introduces layers of greed and desperation. In this case, it seems the defendant’s desire for her partner’s assets could have played a significant role in her decision-making process, despite her claims of desperation related to the relationship’s end.
**Interviewer:** The defendant has pleaded guilty to some charges but denies the attempted murder. How common is this type of defense strategy?
**Dr. Schwarz:** It’s not uncommon. Pleading guilty to lesser charges can sometimes be a strategy to mitigate potential sentencing for more severe charges. By acknowledging some guilt, defendants may aim to gain the jury’s sympathy or show remorse, while still maintaining a defense against the most serious allegations.
**Interviewer:** What do you think the outcome of the trial might reveal about societal responses to such violent crimes?
**Dr. Schwarz:** This trial will likely shine a light on how we address domestic violence and the psychological underpinnings of such cases. It can prompt discussions about mental health support systems, the legal system’s role in protecting victims, and how we understand intentions behind violent acts. The verdict may also influence how cases involving manipulation and psychological distress are perceived in the future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Schwarz. Your insights into this troubling case are invaluable.
**Dr. Schwarz:** Thank you for discussing this critical issue. It’s essential we continue to explore these complex dynamics in our society.
