Trial begins: Premeditated murder from behind? Man on trial

A trial has begun in Darmstadt, Germany, for a 44-year-old man accused of premeditated murder. The defendant, from Calw, Baden-Württemberg, allegedly stabbed a 36-year-old man from Lampertheim in the basement of his home on October 22, 2025. The two men knew each other for many years, with the accused having previously been in a relationship with the victim's sister.

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The DNA of the accused was found on the victim.

Prosecutors stated that the defendant and the victim maintained regular contact, even participating in a shared poker group. DNA evidence from the accused was reportedly found on the victim, according to the presiding judge. The accused has chosen not to make a statement regarding the charges, his defense lawyers announced.

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He will not make any statement on the matter.

A colleague of the accused, a truck driver, described the married father of one child as a "jolly person" and expressed disbelief that he could be capable of murder. The 40-year-old sister of the victim testified that she had remained in contact with the accused over the years and had given him erotic photos shortly before the incident, referring to him as "a very good friend."

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a jolly person

The victim was discovered in the basement by his father and sister on October 27, 2025, after being missing for several days. The accused was arrested on October 31 in Böblingen and is currently in custody. The trial is scheduled to continue with four more hearing days until August 18.

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I cannot imagine that the 44-year-old committed murder.