Second trial begins in aschau ice cellar case
The second trial against a 25-year-old man on suspicion of murdering a 21-year-old woman began on Monday at the Traunstein Regional Court. The woman fell into an ice cellar in Aschau im Chiemgau on July 31, 2022, and suffered fatal injuries. Prosecutors accuse the defendant of deliberately pushing her, while the defense claims it was an accident.
The incident occurred in the night from July 30 to 31, 2022, on a farm in Aschau im Chiemgau, Bavaria. The couple, who had been together for several months, was celebrating there. According to witness statements, the two argued shortly before the accident. The 21-year-old fell into the old ice cellar, a deep, icy pit, and suffered severe head injuries. An autopsy determined that she died from these injuries.
The 25-year-old, who works as a farmer, was arrested and charged. The prosecution argues that he pushed her with both hands to silence her. 'He deliberately pushed her to her death,' the prosecutor stated in her opening remarks. The defendant vehemently denies this and claims he tried to save her by grabbing for her, which led to her fall.
The first trial in November 2023 ended due to a misunderstanding among the jurors, leading to a retrial. A new lay judge panel is now presiding. The defense highlights the couple's tense relationship but describes it as a tragic accident. 'It was an unfortunate accident; he did everything to pull her out,' the defense attorney explained.
Witnesses, including friends and family members, described the couple as argumentative but not violent. An expert report on accident reconstruction is expected. If convicted of murder, he faces life imprisonment. The trial is set to last several weeks and sheds light on the dangers of old farm structures in rural areas.