Prosecutors seek prison for parents of Ribnikar school shooter; cite father's lack of remorse and mother's indifference

Prosecutors are seeking significant prison sentences for the parents of the student responsible for the "Vladislav Ribnikar" school massacre, arguing there are no mitigating circumstances for the father and a lack of empathy from the mother.

During closing arguments, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade requested 14 years and 11 months in prison for the father, Vladimir Kecmanović, and three years for the mother, Miljana Kecmanović. The father is charged with serious endangerment and neglecting his child, while the mother faces charges of child neglect.

“

For the father, there are no mitigating circumstances, and the mother has shown no empathy towards the victims.

Chief Public Prosecutor Nenad Stefanović stated that the weapon used in the crime, which belonged to the father, was not stored adequately and was accessible to the minor. He also noted that the minor had access to internet searches, with the last recorded search on his phone being for the definition of "psychopath."

“

The weapon, which the father possessed and was used in the crime, was not stored adequately and was available to the boy.

Stefanović argued that the father presented himself as a victim throughout the trial, leaving no room for leniency. Regarding the mother, he described her demeanor as distant and lacking empathy, failing to acknowledge the pain and suffering of the victims' families.

The "Vladislav Ribnikar" school shooting on May 3, 2023, resulted in the deaths of nine students and a school security guard, with several others injured. The perpetrator, who was under 14 at the time, could not be held criminally responsible. The trial for his parents focuses on their alleged roles in enabling the tragedy.

“

She addressed from a distance, without empathy, and is not aware of the pain and suffering of the victims' families.