Ice Cream Vendor Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Violent Assault on Food Inspectors

Essen, Germany - A local ice cream vendor, 64-year-old Cono Cesare R., is facing serious legal repercussions following a violent incident involving food inspectors. The vendor has been repeatedly cited for severe hygiene violations, with reports of mold on walls and in food products at his establishment. In March, inspectors from the local food safety authority attempted to shut down his operation due to these ongoing issues.

During a routine inspection, the inspectors discovered alarming conditions, including mold in the ice cream machine and a foul odor emanating from the equipment. When they informed Cesare R. of the closure order, he reacted violently, pulling out a 10 cm knife and attacking the inspectors.

As a result of the assault, one woman sustained life-threatening injuries and required emergency surgery to save her life. The other inspector, witnessing the attack, described the horror of the situation, recalling her colleague being stabbed repeatedly. In a desperate attempt to intervene, she tried to distract the assailant, only to see him stop momentarily to light a cigarette, all while watching the aftermath of his actions.

Cesare R. was apprehended by law enforcement and taken into custody without resistance. In court, he admitted to the assault through his defense attorney and expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he could not explain the violent outburst. The defense maintained that this behavior was out of character for him, as he had previously not exhibited aggression.

Witnesses described the conditions at the ice cream stand as unacceptable, with reports of rotten food and poor sanitation practices. One inspector noted that the vendor had attempted to cover up mold with spray paint and had expired food items on site. In his defense, Cesare R. claimed to have seen worse conditions at other vendors.

The case has drawn significant attention, and the court has scheduled three additional hearing days to address the charges of attempted murder. The final verdict is expected to be delivered at the end of August.