Murder trial without a body: verdict expected against 74-year-old!

Murder trial without a body: verdict expected against 74-year-old!

In a sensational murder trial without a body, a 74-year-old man was sentenced to twelve years in prison by the Bamberg Regional Court today, October 17, 2025. The public prosecutor's office accused him of killing the 33-year-old prostitute from Upper Franconia on August 1, 2024 and disposing of her body at an unknown location. Despite the lack of human remains, the court was able to make a decision based on convincing evidence. Spiegel reports that the police conducted extensive search operations with riders, dogs and even divers carried out, but without success.

The missing woman, who had received large sums of money from wealthy suitors before her disappearance, had disappeared without a trace since August 2024. Over 700 witnesses were interviewed in the lengthy trial, but investigators came no closer to unraveling the mystery surrounding her disappearance. Crucial evidence against the suspect are traces of the woman's blood that were found in his vehicle. He also had items that belonged to the missing person, including a watch and sandals Zeit.

The defense and the evidence

The defendant's defense, on the other hand, argued according to Spiegel that there was no objective evidence for killing the woman. She described the missing woman as a liar from the red light district who may have made a plan to disappear. The defense attorneys emphasized that the defendant had remained silent throughout the entire trial and finally thanked their client, who did not want to comment on the allegations.

Particularly spicy: The defendant is said to have known the woman because they had had a relationship since 2023 and were even planning to move to their home country of Bulgaria. In a voice message she sent before her disappearance, the woman expressed fear of death, which further encouraged investigators to pursue the 74-year-old. A witness also reported seeing the suspect starting a fire on his property, which led to further speculation.

The punishment and outlook

The public prosecutor's office demanded a prison sentence of 14 years and 3 months for manslaughter. The court ultimately decided on a somewhat lighter sentence, but the verdict has far-reaching consequences for the defendant, whose serious criminal record and previous suspicions in unsolved missing person cases left a dark cloud hanging over the proceedings. Whether an appeal will follow remains to be seen, but public opinion on the case is divided. Views on the defendant's guilt or innocence are complicated by the missing body and mixed evidence. Spiegel will continue to report on the reactions and possible developments in the story.