Fatal Axe Attack in Carinthia: Woman and Her New Partner Killed

After the crime, the 27-year-old fled in the woman's car via the S37 toward Klagenfurt, according to the investigation. Near St. Veit an der Glan, a consequential incident occurred, at the end of which the fugitive lost his life.

Flight on the Southern Motorway S37

The exact circumstances of his death are part of the ongoing investigation. The public prosecutor's office ordered autopsies to determine beyond doubt both the cause of death of the two victims and that of the 27-year-old. The Carinthian State Criminal Police Office took over the investigation.

The case triggered dismay in the region. Mayors and local politicians expressed shock over the violence in a rural residential area. The Kleine Zeitung first reported on the bloody act; later, the APA also picked up the report.

Police spokesperson Werner Pucher confirmed the course of events to the media. He appealed to possible witnesses to contact the police. The question of how the 27-year-old was still able to be in possession of an apartment key despite the separation is also being examined.

Investigations and Autopsies

The authorities announced that further information would only be published after the completion of the forensic medical examinations. The S37 remained closed to traffic during the morning hours, causing significant disruptions to commuter traffic.

As part of the investigation, it is also being examined whether there were indications of violence or threats prior to the crime. Police asked the public to refrain from speculation on social networks and not to share any pictures or videos from the crime scene.

Information from the Public

The tragedy is reminiscent of earlier cases in which ex-partners committed serious violence. Women's counseling centers and victim protection organizations renewed their warnings about violence in (ex-)relationships and pointed to the helpline as well as regional points of contact.