Court Acquits Defendant in Case of Hanna's Death in Aschau

The Traunstein Regional Court has acquitted the defendant previously convicted in connection with the death of a student named Hanna in Aschau, Bavaria. The decision followed a retrial, overturning an earlier verdict that had sentenced the young man to nine years in prison for murder.

During the retrial, the presiding judge highlighted that the proceedings did not clarify the exact circumstances surrounding Hanna's death. Nevertheless, it was determined that the evidence presented was insufficient to convict the defendant. The judge noted that the central question, whether Hanna died as a result of an accident or due to external involvement, could not be conclusively answered within the scope of this trial.

The case initially began after Hanna was found deceased in the Prien river following a night out at a local nightclub in October 2022. Her body was discovered with multiple injuries, leading to a police investigation and the subsequent arrest of a then 23-year-old man. Based on the evidence available at the time, he was charged and convicted of murder in March 2024.

However, the Federal Court of Justice later overturned the conviction, citing procedural errors in the original trial. This prompted the reopening of the case in September, with a new examination of the facts and testimonies. Throughout the retrial, the reliability of key witness statements came under scrutiny, particularly those provided by individuals who claimed the defendant had confessed. Upon review, expert assessments questioned the credibility of these statements, resulting in their diminished impact on the case.

Forensic experts and the defense posited the possibility that Hanna's injuries could have resulted from her being carried downstream in the river for several kilometers, rather than from an intentional act. The court considered these expert assessments, and as a result, the defendant was not held responsible for the crime. The prosecution, having also acknowledged the lack of conclusive evidence, requested an acquittal during the retrial.

The defendant, who had been released from custody at the start of the new proceedings, is now entitled to compensation for the time spent in pretrial detention. The retrial took place at the Laufen District Court due to logistical considerations and high public interest in the case.

The court expressed understanding for the dissatisfaction that the verdict may cause, particularly for Hanna's family, as the fundamental question of how she died remains unresolved. Nevertheless, the acquittal reflects the court's commitment to the principle of 'in dubio pro reo'--when in doubt, the accused must be acquitted--especially in cases lacking direct evidence and reliant on circumstantial indicators.

This case underscores the complexities of legal proceedings where forensic evidence and witness credibility are central to the outcome and highlights the importance of procedural correctness in the justice process.