Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Fatally Stabbing Partner in Krefeld

The court ruled the crime as manslaughter due to insufficient evidence of intent, while the defense plans to appeal.

A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years and six months for stabbing his partner, the mother of his two children, in Krefeld, Germany.
The court determined that the stabbing, which pierced the victim's heart, did not meet the legal criteria for murder, citing a lack of evidence for malice or exploitation of defenselessness.
The convicted man remained silent throughout the trial, leaving the motive for the attack unclear despite reports of a loud argument from neighbors on the night of the incident.
A psychologist testified that the couple's four-year-old son likely witnessed the stabbing and is now traumatized, though this could not be definitively confirmed.
The defense has announced plans to appeal the verdict, while the case draws attention to domestic violence and its lasting impact on families and children.