Homicide Zurich High Court sentences 40-year-old to 13 years

On Thursday, the High Court of the Canton of Zurich sentenced a 40-year-old man to 13 years' imprisonment for intentional homicide and disturbing the peace of the dead. He has to complete an outpatient measure in prison.

In September 2016, the confessed Swiss man strangled his lodger in Zurich during an argument and then assaulted her body.

With its ruling, the High Court largely confirmed the decision of the district court. The court had sentenced the man to 13.5 years' imprisonment in May 2022.

The verdict is not yet final. It can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court. The public prosecutor had demanded a prison sentence of 18.5 years and custody for the man and an outpatient measure.

The defense lawyer pleaded for a short prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter, possibly manslaughter, and the immediate release of the accused. It would be better for his resocialization to complete the therapy in freedom with close supervision.

SDA