The trial of 34-year-old Jeffrey K. began Monday at the Leipzig Regional Court, around six months after he drove through the city’s pedestrian zone. Prosecutors accuse him of two counts of murder and 85 counts of attempted murder, arguing that many people narrowly avoided being hit.
K.’s lawyer said at the start of the proceedings that his client would not make a statement about the attack. According to the lawyer, K. felt unable to find appropriate words for the tragic events.
On May 4, K. drove approximately 500 meters along Grimmaische Straße in central Leipzig. Prosecutors say he accelerated the vehicle to as much as 90 kilometers per hour. A 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man were fatally injured. Bollards stopped the car, after which K. was arrested.
Prosecutors allege that K. had decided to carry out the attack the previous evening. They believe it followed his wife’s application for sole custody of their son.
The court plans to hear testimony from about 150 witnesses and five experts. K.’s criminal responsibility will also be examined. After the attack, he was initially placed in forensic psychiatric care rather than a prison. He had already spent several days in psychiatric treatment shortly before the incident.
However, an expert who interviewed K. found no indication in a report that he had diminished criminal responsibility. He was subsequently transferred to regular pretrial detention. Police records already listed him in connection with offenses including threats and defamation-related crimes. Nine victims or relatives are participating in the proceedings as private accessory prosecutors.
Sources: FAZ.