27-Year-Old Attacks Ex-Partner with Axe and Kills Her New Boyfriend in Carinthia

The woman sustained serious injuries but managed to escape from the apartment. She underwent emergency surgery at Klagenfurt Hospital and, according to police, is in life-threatening condition.

While the 30-year-old was fleeing, the 27-year-old turned on the woman's 29-year-old new boyfriend and killed him. At the time of the crime, two minor children were also in the apartment, according to police. The relationship of the children to the 27-year-old or the victims was initially unclear.

Escape and Fatal Accident on the S37

After the bloodbath, the 27-year-old took his ex-partner's car key and drove her vehicle on the Klagenfurt expressway S37 toward Klagenfurt. There, he was involved in a head-on collision with an oncoming truck.

The 27-year-old driver died at the scene of the accident. The truck driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered shock, according to police.

Police spokesperson Pucher told the APA: "Veit ist er vermutlich in suizidaler Absicht frontal gegen einen Lkw gefahren." The investigation into the exact background is ongoing.

Investigation and Background

The Carinthian police confirmed the connection between the fatal accident on the S37 on Tuesday morning and the bloodbath in St. Veit an der Glan. The Klagenfurt expressway was temporarily closed after the accident.

According to the authorities' assessment, the incident constitutes an attempted femicide – that is, an attempted murder of a woman because of her gender – followed by an extended suicide by the perpetrator.

Support Services for Those Affected

For victims of violence, several institutions in Austria offer help around the clock. The Women's Helpline against Violence can be reached free of charge, anonymously, and 24 hours a day at 0800 222 555. The Women's Shelter Emergency Hotline can be reached at 057722.

The Violence Protection Center Carinthia offers counseling at 0463 590 290. The Victim Emergency Hotline can be reached at 0800-112-112. The Police Emergency Hotline is available at any time at 133.

The Crime Prevention Department of the State Criminal Office of Carinthia also offers personal consultations via the hotline 059-133. The Association of Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters (AÖF) and the Austrian Violence Protection Centers (0800/700-217) are also available to those affected.

For people with suicidal thoughts and their relatives, the Suicide Prevention Portal of the Ministry of Health provides information and support services. Crisis intervention by phone can be reached free of charge at the number 142 around the clock, 365 days a year, as a confidential emergency service.

The Ö3-Worries-Line is anonymously available daily from 4 p.m. to midnight at 116 123. The number 147 (Rat auf Draht) is also available around the clock, anonymously and free of charge.

Prevention and Societal Context

The police and the public prosecutor's office continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the crime. The investigation is also intended to clarify how the 27-year-old came to be in possession of the apartment key and what history the relationship between those involved had.

The tragedy is part of a series of serious acts of violence in Austria in which women become victims of partners or ex-partners. Women's organizations and support services have been calling for strengthened prevention measures and better protection services for those affected for years.

The case has triggered dismay in Carinthia and beyond. The authorities are asking that tips from the public be passed on to the police or the counseling centers mentioned.