The suspect, a 59-year-old Slovak national, had previously barricaded himself in a property, including a tunnel-like cellar, in the Zistersdorf cadastral community of Gösting for hours. During an initial arrest attempt, the man detonated an explosive device in the morning and a COBRA officer was seriously injured.
An emergency medical helicopter took the man to the Vienna General Hospital. But Bernhard Triebenreif, head of the Special Forces Directorate/Operational Command COBRA, insisted that his life was not in danger. Another member of Cobra had to be treated as an outpatient.
The identity is still unclear
In an afternoon news release, police said a man’s body was found inside the building around 1:30 p.m. “Who this body is and how it died is still under investigation,” said police spokesman Johan Baumschlager. However, this is a “most likely” suspect.
Murder suspect found dead in basement tunnel
A man’s body was found after a 65-year-old woman was killed in Zistersdorf (Gänserndorf district). Police believe he is the suspect.
The permission came after police repeatedly asked the suspect to come out of the building using a loudspeaker. As there was no response from the suspect, a technical search of the premises was conducted and the deceased was found. Now the tunnel has to be checked by explosives experts and the Cobra Special Squad has to clear it.
The suspect was considered “generally dangerous.”
The accused was considered “generally dangerous”. Police spokesman Baumschlager in St. Petersburg on Saturday morning said the 59-year-old was under surveillance in several European countries for illegal possession of nuclear explosives, weapons and ammunition. said at the first press conference in Pölten. Details were not initially given.
The woman was killed
The 65-year-old was found with stab wounds in a vineyard around 4:30pm on Friday. Baumschlager said the suspect was near the crime scene and was observed fleeing. “There was apparently an acquaintance between the victim and the offender.” An autopsy was ordered by the Korneuburg public prosecutor’s office, and the Lower Austrian State Criminal Police is investigating.
A massive cordon was erected around the building where the accused allegedly lived and around ten houses were evacuated. Residents were temporarily housed in Zistersdorf town hall – more on this in Zistersdorf: Woman found dead (noe.ORF.at; October 18, 2024).
Studs are still being checked
Police said the inner containment ring – including the evacuated homes – would have to remain in place “for some time” due to extra security measures. However, some residents already visit their properties to care for pets.
Baumschlager insisted that officers from the Crime Scene Squad and the State Crime Branch Police’s Life and Living Department could not yet begin their work in the tunnel because it had to be cleared by Cobra first. However, this action can be taken only after a special check for any further explosive devices.
“High demand and stress”
The Weinviertel municipality had a heavy police presence. COBRA members and 120 officers from the Lower Austria State Police were already on site during the night. Officers specializing in explosives and hazardous materials and rescue and firefighting units were also called. The Zistersdorf cityscape was also dominated by emergency services on Saturday.
State Police Director Franz Popp said it was a “very demanding and stressful operation” that lasted more than 24 hours. He spoke of about 220 police forces who “handled the operation professionally”.
Help in case of crisis
Reports of (suspicious) femicide can worsen the situation for those in crisis. There are contact points throughout Austria that offer advice and support in the event of a crisis. The Austria-wide telephone consultation service can be accessed free of charge at 142 at any time. Like the psychosocial services of Lower Austria, the helpline for teenagers and young adults offers telephone counseling at 147.
