Mother Sentenced to Three Years for Killing Severely Disabled Son

A German court ruled the act as murder, citing diminished culpability due to the mother's mental health condition.

A 57-year-old mother was sentenced to three years in prison by the Oldenburg Regional Court for the murder of her severely disabled 23-year-old son.
The court determined the killing to be an act of murder carried out with malice, though the mother's culpability was reduced due to an adjustment disorder diagnosed at the time of the incident.
The crime occurred in June 2023 when the mother attempted a murder-suicide by using a charcoal grill to release carbon monoxide in a sealed caravan; she survived, but her son died.
The mother stated she saw no viable future for her son, who required extensive care and exhibited aggressive behavior, and feared he might harm others.
The defense argued for a lesser charge of manslaughter, claiming the mother believed she was acting in her son's best interest; the verdict is not yet final, as an appeal remains possible.