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CRIME

‘Jealousy’ drove 84-year-old to attempt murder

An 84-year-old man flew into a jealous rage when his 52-year-old wife arrived home very late one night. After a furious argument that culminated in her hiding in her bedroom, he grabbed his shotgun and fired two shots at her through the door, seriously injuring her in the thigh.

'Jealousy' drove 84-year-old to attempt murder
File Photo: APA (dpa)

The couple with the 32 year age difference lived together in Mistelbach, in Lower Austria.  On the night in question, December 14th 2013, the victim arrived home well after midnight from a trip to Vienna, and spoke briefly to her husband, before retiring to her own separate bedroom.

A few hours later, the retired husband went to his weapons locker, and loaded a break-action double-barreled shotgun.  He then stormed into her room, and threatened her with the weapon, whilst shouting at her, "Now I shoot you down."

The woman was able to persuade him to leave the room, and closed the door behind him.

Sadly, the old man continued to escalate his anger, and fired two shots through the door, seriously wounding his wife in the upper legs, and causing permanent disfigurement.

In the resulting trial, the man has been sentenced on Wednesday to 12 years in prison for attempted murder.

The judge in the court in Korneuburg noted that the defendant claimed that he still loved his wife, and never wanted to kill her, but was jealous, suspecting that she had a boyfriend in Vienna.

Furthermore, the fact that he had shot her through the door recklessly endangered her life, and was therefore a clear indicator of a certain "ruthlessness and hardness."  Therefore, he had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence.   Given the defendant's age, it's likely he would live out his days in prison.

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CRIME

UPDATED: 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.

UPDATED: 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 a manager of the shopping centre. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives, who confirmed a threat against the centre.

“The Center Management of Westfield Donau Zentrum can confirm a threat against the center and is in ongoing communication with the relevant authorities. We are taking the situation seriously. The safety of everyone in the center is our top priority. After coordination with the authorities, the center will be open as usual today”, they said.

The Vienna police confirmed 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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