Trial begins at Darmstadt Regional Court: 57-year-old accused of murdering ex-wife

At the start of the trial, the defense attorney described that his client remembered an argument on the evening of August 31, 2025, during which the 34-year-old spat at him. From that moment on, his client had no further memory of the events. Presiding Judge Volker Wagner pointed out that the defendant had never mentioned being spat at before, not even in a letter to the public prosecutor's office, and stated: "This is the first time we are hearing this today."

Defendant's statement and court's reaction

At the center of the indictment is a motive that the public prosecutor's office described as "rage driven by possessiveness." According to this, the defendant wanted to punish his ex-wife, armed himself with knives, attacked her in the kitchen, and pursued her into the stairwell as far as a neighbor's apartment. A neighbor and his brother-in-law overpowered and disarmed the man until the police arrived.

Regarding the background of the relationship, the public prosecutor's office explained that there had been regular arguments in recent years because the woman, who was in training, accused her unemployed husband of not taking sufficient care of the children and the household. After the divorce, the defendant was embittered by this. He secretly recorded a video of the woman while she was on the phone and accused her of having a new relationship. As the defendant himself admitted, he titled the video "Adultery in the Night" to send it to his mother-in-law.

Further proceedings

Six court dates are initially scheduled for the trial until July 7. The hearing will continue on June 10 at 9:00 AM. The examination of further witnesses and possible expert witnesses is planned, among other things.

Based on the evidence presented, the court must decide whether the defendant committed the act in a state of legal capacity. In addition to the murder charge, the defendant's statements about a memory lapse and his behavior before and after the act could also play a role. A verdict is not expected before the last day of the trial.

Support services for those affected

Victims of domestic violence can contact the helpline "Gewalt gegen Frauen" (Violence against Women) around the clock free of charge, anonymously, and barrier-free at the number 08000 116 016 – the call will not appear on the phone bill, and counseling is available in 18 foreign languages. The counseling centers offer initial psychosocial counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to women's shelters or women's counseling centers. Relatives and people from the social environment of those affected can also contact them.

The White Ring also supports victims of violence, and men with aggression and violence problems can turn to appropriate early intervention and counseling services. The brochure "Wegweiser" (Guide) from the State Coordination Office against Domestic Violence in Hesse also lists contact points, and further information is available on the website of the Hessian Ministry of Social Affairs.