Koblenz Court Orders Two Girls to Pay €125,000 in Damages for Killing of 12-Year-Old Luise

No criminal trial took place because both perpetrators were below the age of criminal responsibility at the time of the crime. The civil case was heard at the Koblenz Regional Court approximately three years after the killing.

At the start of the civil trial in July 2025, a judge stated that Luise was killed with 74 stab wounds. The court found that she also suffered facial injuries and died from blood loss and a pneumothorax, an accumulation of air in the chest cavity.

Court Findings on Suffering

The court determined that Luise experienced significant suffering and was conscious for at least a few minutes with extreme panic and mortal fear. Signs of a defensive struggle were evident on her body, and the killing was characterized as a treacherous murder.

The duration of the victim's suffering was the central question in determining the amount of pain-and-suffering damages. The court awarded €40,000 attributed to the deceased victim herself, and €85,000 to her parents and sister.

The plaintiffs had originally demanded €50,000 in Schmerzensgeld for Luise and €30,000 each for the three family members. The court's total award of €125,000 fell short of the €140,000 initially sought.

Family's Motivation

Luise's family pursued the civil case not only for financial compensation but also to send a message. Their attorney, Jochen Alfes, said at the trial's opening that it should be clear such an act does not remain without consequences.

In a statement reported by WDR, the family acknowledged that there can be no true 'Wiedergutmachung' — no making amends — for such a crime. They noted that the financial penalty could be felt as a form of punishment by the perpetrators.

The two perpetrators continue to be under the supervision of the local youth welfare office. The civil judgment marks a rare instance where underage offenders face legal consequences through a non-criminal proceeding.