Fatal Kick in Old Botanical Garden Leads to Murder Trial in Munich
Munich, February 3 – A 31-year-old man is currently on trial at the Munich I Regional Court, facing charges of murder after a 57-year-old man died following a kick to the head in the Old Botanical Garden. The court is also considering alternative charges, including causing bodily harm resulting in death or negligent homicide, as stated by presiding judge Nina Prantl. The proceedings are scheduled for seven more days.
Martial Arts Kick Preceded by Dispute
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred in September 2024 when the victim approached the accused and three companions to ask for tobacco. A dispute allegedly ensued, during which the victim reportedly filmed the group. The Polish-born defendant then allegedly delivered a ‘Roundhouse Kick,’ a martial arts move, to the 57-year-old’s face with full force.
The victim fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement, and lay motionless. Bystanders called emergency services, and the severely injured man was rushed to the hospital under ongoing resuscitation but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Video footage shows the defendant’s group initially remaining seated after the victim’s fall until passersby approached.
Trial Resumes After Judicial Bias Allegations
This trial is a re-run of proceedings that began in November but were halted due to concerns about the presiding judge’s impartiality. The Munich I Regional Court cited a statement made by the judge during the slow questioning of a witness of Somali origin, which “could give rise to the appearance of origin-related prejudice.”
The judge had commented, “How stupid can one be? I can slowly really understand Trump’s statement.” This remark was made in the context of former US President Donald Trump’s previous derogatory comments about people from Somalia.
Court to Deliberate on Various Charges
Judge Prantl emphasized the need to thoroughly examine whether the act constitutes treacherous murder, bodily harm resulting in death, or negligent homicide. The court aims to consider all aspects of the case carefully over the remaining seven trial days.
The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities of legal proceedings and the importance of judicial impartiality. The outcome of this re-trial will be closely watched as it determines the legal consequences of a tragic event in one of Munich’s public spaces.
