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Rampage in Notzingen: mentally ill driver in court!
A 60-year-old man from Notzingen is on trial for attempted murder after a shooting spree that left two seriously injured.
Rampage in Notzingen: mentally ill driver in court!
A frightening incident occurred in the city of Notzingen on May 14, 2025: A 60-year-old man deliberately drove his BMW towards two pedestrians. The result of this rampage was serious injuries for the two men, aged 43 and 44. The case is now going before the Stuttgart regional court, where the accused is charged with attempted murder and grievous bodily harm. As the Stuttgart News According to reports, the defendant is classified as incompetent because he suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, which has existed since 2009.
The public prosecutor stated that acute delusions had occurred shortly before the crime. The suspect had the impression that his children were being threatened, which led to this dramatic act. After the collision, the man tried to escape, but resisted the witnesses and the arriving police officers. Since the incident, the defendant has been in a psychiatric facility and expressed regret for what happened during the trial.
Mental illness as a social problem
The incident in Notzingen sheds light on the problem of mental illness in Germany, which, according to the DGPPN Affects more than one in four adults. The most common clinical pictures are anxiety disorders, depression and addictions. Over 18 million people suffer from mental illnesses, which not only affect their individual well-being, but can also lead to significant social and professional limitations. Mental illness is the second most common cause of sick leave and the main reason for early retirement.
A look at the treatment options shows that psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions are among the common approaches. In cases of acute danger to oneself or others, placement in psychiatric facilities is often based on a court order, as was the case with the man from Notzingen.
During the trial, the defendant's wife said that her husband suffered from significant health problems in the weeks before the crime and had visionary thoughts, such as that their child needed help. These statements illustrate how complex the connections between mental illness and criminal behavior can be.
An ongoing process
The hearing is expected to continue on November 27, 2025. It remains to be seen what further information will emerge and what lessons will be learned from this case regarding the treatment and support of people with mental illness.