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CRIME

Teenage murder victim identified

A body found in Hungary, close to the Austrian border, has been confirmed as that of a missing 16-year-old from Carinthia who was allegedly shot on the night of June 22nd by a friend in Graz.

Published: 2 July 2014 14:23 CEST
Teenage murder victim identified
The body was buried near the Austrian border in Szentgotthard-Rabafüzes. Photo: APA/ERWIN SCHERIAU

A spokesman for the public prosecutor's office in Graz, Hans Jörg Bacher, said that fingerprints and external features had matched the identity of the missing teenager, and that there was no doubt that it was the body of Marcel S.

A forensic autopsy revealed that he died after being shot in the head. A bullet was also found, and will be examined by a ballistics team.

Sebastian S, also 16, was arrested after Marcel’s murder in a middle-class area of Graz.

According to media reports he has confessed to the crime and said that he shot Marcel after his friend tried to force him, at gunpoint, to rape a 14-year-old girl with whom they were spending the evening.

The prosecutor's office has said that this “is one version of the events” but have not confirmed any details.

The testimony of the 14-year-old girl will be crucial for the prosecution but she is reportedly severely traumatised and is currently being cared for in a psychiatric clinic – and has so far not been in a fit state for a police interview.

Sebastian’s grandfather has also been arrested for allegedly helping him to bury the body and to cover up the crime.

 

CRIME

Vienna police investigating possible ‘threat’ to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Viennese police have confirmed they are investigating a possible - and unspecified - threat to the popular shopping centre in the city's 22nd district.

Published: 29 April 2024 17:32 CEST
Vienna police investigating possible 'threat' to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Vienna police confirmed they are investigating a non-specified threat to the Donau Zentrum shopping centre, located in the Austrian capital’s 22nd district, a spokesperson told The Local. 

On Monday, pictures of an alleged internal document sent by the shopping centre to tenants circulated on social media and messaging apps. The document stated there was a “threat against the Westfield Donau Zentrum for April 30, 2024”. It stated that the authorities had been working to identify suspects since yesterday.

“The source of the threat is a photo circulating online”, the statement said without giving further details. “If we receive additional information or specifications, we will immediately inform you”, it added.

“There is currently no reason for you as an employee to worry as we are strictly following police guidelines”, the document said. It was signed by Petra Prissnitz, deputy centre manager. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives but did not receive any response.

The Vienna police did confirm the veracity of the statement and added, “We are aware of the matter and are investigating”, they replied after an inquiry on their official social media channels. The Local reached out to the press office for further clarification, but has not yet received a response.

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