Man Sentenced to Prison After Setting Grandmother on Fire in Landshut

A court in Landshut has sentenced a 33-year-old man to nine years in prison and ordered his placement in a psychiatric facility after he was found guilty of manslaughter for setting his elderly grandmother on fire, leading to her death. The incident, which took place in March 2025, followed a domestic dispute and resulted in the tragic death of the 93-year-old victim.

According to court documents, the events unfolded when the man became involved in a heated argument with his mother over unpaid bills. During the altercation, his mother was occupied with caring for her elderly mother, who was bedridden and required constant assistance. The defendant entered the living room, which had been converted into a care area for the grandmother, and used disinfectant as an accelerant to ignite her hair. The elderly woman, unable to defend herself, suffered severe burns as a result of the attack.

Witnesses reported that after the victim caught fire and collapsed to the floor, her daughter--fearing for her own safety--fled the house and contacted emergency services from a neighbor's residence. The perpetrator pursued his mother outside but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement officers in the garden.

Emergency responders arrived to find the grandmother no longer aflame but in significant distress due to her injuries. She was airlifted to a specialized burn unit in Murnau, where she was treated for second- and third-degree burns to her head, neck, and upper body. Despite medical intervention, the injuries proved fatal, and the woman succumbed to her wounds nearly four weeks later.

During the trial, it was revealed that the defendant had struggled with substance abuse for approximately 15 years and had previously undergone multiple treatments in specialized clinics. Psychiatric evaluations presented to the court indicated that the man's actions during the incident were significantly influenced by his mental health condition, leading to a loss of control at the time of the offense.

Prosecutors had initially sought a conviction for murder, citing base motives and a particularly insidious method. However, the court did not find sufficient evidence to establish these aggravating factors beyond reasonable doubt. Instead, the presiding judge classified the crime as manslaughter, noting that the defendant's psychological issues played a central role in the escalation and outcome of the event.

The defense had requested a reduced sentence, arguing for a conviction on the lesser charge of bodily harm resulting in death, with a prison term of four and a half years. Ultimately, the court decided on a nine-year sentence in conjunction with mandated psychiatric treatment, reflecting the severity of the offense and the need for both punishment and rehabilitation.

This case has drawn significant attention in the region, highlighting the complex interplay between mental health, substance abuse, and violent crime. Authorities and social services continue to emphasize the importance of early intervention and support for individuals dealing with psychological and addiction issues to prevent similar tragedies in the future.