Chronicle
The Vienna public prosecutor’s office has filed a murder charge in connection with a body found decomposed in a Marchfield canal in January. A 39-year-old Iranian must answer for allegedly killing, dismembering and drowning a 45-year-old fellow countryman in his apartment in Vienna-Heitzing.
The killing allegedly took place last November, and according to the prosecution, financial motive was a determining factor. The defendant – who was friends and had business ties with the 45-year-old – allegedly owed him €21,000. The 45-year-old is said to have threatened consequences if the lender did not receive anything in return or return the money.
Angler discovered the first body parts
In the prosecution’s view, the 39-year-old obtained a hammer and used it to smash the top of the old man’s skull during a meeting at his apartment. The latter is known to be the cause of death, as on January 13th the severed left leg of the Marchfield Canal was found after fishing between Schwarzlauken and Strebersdorf, and the severed head of the slain man was also found, and the police were immediately alerted.
Water police and EKO Cobra’s divers and dog unit later searched for more body parts. Apart from the head, parts of the chest appeared along with the ribs.
The man was reported missing
The victim’s family reported the man missing on November 15. After the defendant was arrested, law enforcement officers reported a detailed confession from the 39-year-old. Don’t talk about it anymore. Finally, the defendant claimed that the “Albanian Mafia” was involved and that a certain “Mike” carried out the criminal acts that caused the death. He was the only one present when the body parts were removed.
The 39-year-old was tracked down after opening accounts and analyzing cellphone data. He may have been at the 45-year-old’s flat several times after she disappeared – he allegedly cut up the body and carried it in pieces in a suitcase.
Particularly treacherous: The defendant allegedly convinced the slain man’s relatives to explain where the 45-year-old had disappeared to. They may have used the deceased’s cell phone to send messages to the family of the missing person to give the impression that the missing person is still alive.
He was arrested while trying to leave the country
The 39-year-old was arrested on January 30 while trying to leave the country in his car. According to a psychiatric report obtained by the state prosecutor, the 39-year-old is sane. So there is no reason to exclude guilt. It is not yet clear when the murder trial will take place. The defendant’s counsel has given 14 days time to contest the charge sheet. The Vienna Higher Regional Court (OLG) must deal with any objection.
