Lawyer: Court Explained Why 'Much Was Wrong' in Kecmanović Family

Zora Dobričanin Nikodinović, a lawyer representing families of victims in the "Ribnikar" school shooting case, shared insights following the sentencing of the parents of the teenage perpetrator. She highlighted the judge's concluding remarks, which urged the family to "protect themselves."

According to Dobričanin, the judge proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility and suggested measures such as banning video games and restricting children's access to shooting ranges. The lawyer emphasized the importance of the verdict being publicly announced.

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The judge said that she believes the boundary of criminal responsibility should be moved, that the limit to which a child is criminally irresponsible should be lowered. She believes that games and children going to shooting ranges should be banned.

The court's reasoning, as explained by Dobričanin, indicated that the father, Vladimir Kecmanović, did not adequately secure the weapons. They were kept in portable cases intended for transport to shooting ranges. The judge noted that these cases were improperly secured, allowing the 13-year-old child to access the weapons on two separate occasions – April 24 and May 1. The child then loaded magazines, stored them in his desk, and tragically used them at the "Vladislav Ribnikar" elementary school on May 3. The court stated that the boy would not have committed the act if he had not received training and had access to the firearms.

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The judge explained that Vladimir Kecmanović did not keep the weapons adequately, keeping them in portable cases used to carry weapons to shooting ranges. That those cases were inadequately secured is proven by the fact that the 13-year-old child even came to the weapons on two occasions.

When asked if he expected to be imprisoned, the perpetrator's father reportedly answered affirmatively, and when asked if he desired or consented to it, he responded "yes" to both. The judge concluded that significant issues existed within the family, despite their efforts to portray themselves as harmonious. Both the defense and the judge pointed out that the parents focused on the child's education but neglected his upbringing, failed to listen to his needs, and did not act accordingly – a fundamental parental duty.

Dobričanin also relayed that the court mentioned an arsenal of weapons and over 1,500 rounds of ammunition were found in the apartment. Defense attorneys have announced their intention to appeal the verdict.

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The judge also said that there was an arsenal of weapons in that apartment, with more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition.