Feminicide in Montreux: 18 years in prison for cold-blooded murderer?

Feminicide in Montreux: 18 years in prison for cold-blooded murderer?

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a disturbing trial took place in the Vevey District Court. A 32-year-old American is in the dock charged with the murder of his 23-year-old wife, which took place in a park in Montreux in 2020. The couple's relationship was marked by numerous incidents of domestic violence, which makes the crime all the more tragic. The prosecutor has demanded a prison sentence of 18 years, to be served in a closed prison. This would be in the range of 10 to 20 years, although the sentence could be suspended if mental health problems are recognized as a contributing factor, reports RTS.

The couple had moved to Switzerland in late 2017, and as of 2019 there have been several documented incidents of violence. During this time, the Vaud police had to intervene at least twice at the couple's residence. On the day of the murder, the defendant had an appointment at the Center for Violence Prevention in Lausanne, but he did not show up. According to the woman, she had already messaged him several times asking about the appointment. She had also indicated that she was considering a separation because she was suffering from the relationship. In a last desperate attempt to resolve their relationship, the defendant invited her to a meeting in Montreux, where he murdered her with 38 stab wounds.

The act in the context of femicide

The case also highlights a deeper problem: the increasing number of femicides in Switzerland. In 2024, several women have already been murdered, many of these crimes occurring in familiar surroundings, as StopFeminicide data shows. In the current year 2024, several women have been killed in various cantons in January and March, among others, increasing concerns about the safety of women in society.

The incidents from recent years are alarming: In Switzerland, numerous femicides were recorded in 2023 alone, including murders of young women. The number of femicides was also alarmingly high in 2022 and 2021. These frightening statistics urge us to raise awareness of domestic violence and strengthen preventive measures. It remains to be hoped that processes like this, painful as they are, will help initiate a rethink in society.

During the trial itself, the atmosphere was tense and many relatives of the victims were present. The defendant was accompanied by four police officers and his nervous statements during the hearing were described by the presiding judge as confused and lacking credibility. The defendant also attributed his violent behavior to high consumption of psychotropic drugs.

The murder of the young woman and the circumstances that led to this tragedy starkly illustrate the importance of both raising awareness about domestic violence and ensuring support for those affected. This is the only way we can tackle these frightening developments together and escape the vicious circle of violence.

For further information on femicide and prevention approaches, it is worth visiting the StopFeminicide website, where detailed statistics and educational work can be found.