Sentences for parents of boy who killed nine students and a security guard in Belgrade school

In a retrial, the parents of the teenager responsible for the 2023 Belgrade school massacre have been handed significant prison sentences, reigniting a national debate on parental responsibility and gun control in Serbia. The Higher Court in Belgrade found the father, Vladimir Kecmanovic, guilty of failing to properly secure the weapon used in the attack and sentenced him to 14 years and 6 months in prison. The mother, Miljana Kecmanovic, received a sentence of 2 years and 11 months for similar charges.

This verdict follows an earlier ruling in December 2024, which was annulled by the Court of Appeal due to procedural errors. The court determined that the parents did not adequately safeguard the firearm, which was registered in the father's name, and failed to recognize the potential danger posed by their son. The 13-year-old perpetrator, who was below the age of criminal responsibility in Serbia (14 years), is currently housed in a psychiatric institution and testified as a witness in the proceedings.

The tragic event in May 2023, where the minor opened fire at his school, killing nine students and a security guard and injuring six others, sent shockwaves across Serbia. The prosecution argued that the parents ignored warning signs and left the weapon accessible, while the defense contended that the gun was legally owned and that the family should not bear sole responsibility. The families of the victims had previously expressed frustration over the perceived lack of accountability.

The aftermath of the attack saw widespread protests and intense public discussions regarding stricter gun control measures and a broader societal examination of responsibility. This latest verdict represents a significant step in the legal process, addressing the role of the parents in the tragedy and emphasizing the importance of secure firearm storage and parental oversight.