Mother on Trial for Allegedly Drugging and Suffocating Sons in Hockenheim
The trial of a 44-year-old woman, accused of drugging and suffocating her seven and nine-year-old sons in Hockenheim, near Heidelberg, began at Mannheim District Court last week. The woman, who remains silent during the trial, is charged with treacherous murder in both cases, after allegedly viewing her ex-husband as a danger to her children.
Sedation and Suffocation
According to the public prosecutor's office, the woman drugged her children with various medications on Holy Saturday and then suffocated them before inflicting wounds on their heads. An email sent to the police confessing to a "terrible" crime and subsequent suicide attempt followed, the contents of which have not been disclosed.
Violent Marital Relationship and Separation
The heart of the defense's case revolves around the mother's belief that her ex-husband was abusing their children. The couple separated in 2018, with the father gaining sole custody, citing numerous arguments and violent episodes during their marriage. The woman reportedly did not accept this arrangement and had no contact with her children for eight months.
Police Intervention and Further Proceedings
When police arrived at the defendant's apartment after receiving her email, they found her in possession of a gun, later identified as a blank-firing pistol. She threatened the officers several times and tried to turn the gun on herself before being arrested. The two boys were discovered dead in their cribs by emergency services and police.
Future Hearings and Trial Details
The court is planning five further hearings, with the trial scheduled to conclude on January 8. The ex-husband and several witness testimonies, including forensic technicians and police officers, have been presented during the proceedings.
Enrichment Data:
- In 2020, the children primarily lived with their father, with the mother only receiving them during weekends.
- The mother's personality disorder was developed as a result of brain damage.
- The accused woman's mail sent to the police prior to the incident contained a confession of her alleged crimes.
