Man detained after 28-year-old woman killed in Villach

A 39-year-old man has been detained after a 28-year-old woman was killed in Villach, ORF reported, citing police. The woman was found near the Drau bridge on August 21 and was unresponsive.

Emergency services were called at about 8.43 p.m. after the woman, from Villach, was found under the Villach city bridge with several other people. Because the cause of death was unclear, the Klagenfurt public prosecutor’s office ordered an autopsy, which found that she had been the victim of violence.

After extensive investigations by the state criminal police and detectives from the Villach city police command, officers identified a 39-year-old suspect from the Villach-Land district. Investigators believe he had been in a relationship with the woman and had been celebrating with her and others under the bridge that evening.

Following an argument, the man allegedly injured her so severely with a kick or blow that she died from her injuries.

The suspect was arrested on August 28 under an order from the Klagenfurt public prosecutor’s office. He was questioned and taken to Klagenfurt prison, where he was placed in pre-trial detention.

He denies intending to kill the woman and says the incident was an accident. The investigation is continuing.