Vienna court sentences man to life for murder of 87-year-old

A 61-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison in Vienna for the murder of an 87-year-old disabled woman. The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, at a senior residence in the Döbling district.

According to the indictment, the victim was attacked, strangled, and likely suffocated with a pillow in her room. While the defendant denied the murder, claiming he only intended to help the woman, the jury found him guilty by a vote of seven to one. The court cited a “particularly reprehensible motive” involving a relatively small amount of money and noted the defendant's prior convictions. He was also found guilty of fraud charges. The defendant has filed an appeal.