Published13. November 2024, 22:26
Samnaun GR“I hope he’s kept safe”: Child assault – brother now speaks
In Samnaun, a 52-year-old man attacked a child and seriously injured him. The brother of the perpetrator is angry and hopes that he will be severely punished. And he makes accusations.
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In the Graubünden village of Samnaun with 800 souls, JT (52) attacked a ten-year-old boy on Wednesday morning and seriously injured him.
His brother G. tells 20 Minutes that the boy has isolated himself more and more since his mother died and that he is addicted to alcohol.
He hopes his brother will not be released again after the crime. He wishes the victim’s family all the best.
On Wednesday morning at 7.30 am, JT* (52) attacked a ten-year-old boy at a bus stop in Samnaun GR. He then went home, called the police and allowed himself to be arrested “calmly,” as neighbors said 20 minutes later. Passers-by took the child to a local doctor’s office, where he received primary care. Rega later flew the boy to the hospital in Chur; according to police, his injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
T.’s brother lives in Zurich. He says his brother has become more isolated and withdrawn recently. “He hasn’t worked since our mother died and he fell into alcoholism. He completely withdrew from society, he just stayed at home and played deadly games on several screens at the same time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t surprise me at all that something like this has happened now.”
“Over time he saw everyone as enemies.”
The brother’s disappointment at the crime is mixed with anger: “I can’t do anything with that kind of life plan. I am an upstanding citizen, I work a lot and hard. I also tried several times to talk to my brother and he urged him to work at least 50 percent of the time so he could have a daily routine. I don’t understand how my brother could become like that.” This was not the first time he was visible: “Over time, he saw everyone as enemies. He reported that there were different people in the village for sordid reasons.”
T. threatened violence against him and against him. “This was a culmination of a death threat a few years ago. We went on vacation for a while after that and when we came back I wanted to report my brother. But the police told me that I should have done it within three months. So nothing happened.” He also filed a report with child and adult protection authorities. “But it was just talk, they didn’t do anything.”
“I hope they keep my brother safe.”
The fact that he had to come to this now angers him: “Even if he is my brother. I hope they keep him in custody and don’t release him again. He is completely out of touch with reality and society. Unfortunately, I can’t put my hand in the fire to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
He spoke to the victim’s father on the phone today. “I wish the boy a speedy recovery and I wish his family all the best. At the moment they are cautiously optimistic about the boy’s recovery.” The perpetrator’s brother says he was glad he got out of Samnaun. “Now of course I have to go back to the village and see what happens with my relatives.”
*Editor’s name known
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How can families effectively support a loved one dealing with isolation and substance abuse?
Time.news Editor: Good evening and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a pressing topic on our hands that has shaken the small village of Samnaun in Graubünden. I’m honored to have Dr. Anna Weiss, a criminologist and expert in juvenile crime, with us to discuss the implications of a recent tragic assault involving a 52-year-old man and a ten-year-old boy. Dr. Weiss, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Anna Weiss: Thank you for having me. This incident is indeed troubling and raises many important questions about mental health and societal responsibilities.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. To set the scene for our audience, could you summarize what happened in Samnaun?
Dr. Anna Weiss: Certainly. On Wednesday morning, JT, a 52-year-old man, seriously injured a ten-year-old boy at a bus stop. After the attack, JT called the police himself and was arrested. While the boy suffered serious injuries, thankfully, they were not life-threatening. This shocking event has highlighted underlying issues faced by the perpetrator, as revealed by his brother.
Time.news Editor: Yes, I’ve read about what his brother expressed following the incident. He mentioned that JT had become increasingly isolated and was struggling with alcoholism after their mother’s death. How does this kind of isolation contribute to violent behavior?
Dr. Anna Weiss: Isolation can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health, especially when compounded by substance abuse. In JT’s case, it appears he withdrew from social connections and became caught in a cycle of negative thoughts, possibly exacerbated by addiction. This detachment can lead to distorted perceptions of reality where people are viewed as enemies. The feeling of being misunderstood or abandoned can escalate into aggression if left unchecked.
Time.news Editor: His brother mentioned attempts to help him reintegrate into society. In your experience, what are some effective measures that can be taken when a loved one is struggling with such issues?
Dr. Anna Weiss: In situations like JT’s, early intervention is key. Professional counseling and community support groups can provide both the individual and their family with strategies to cope. It’s also crucial to promote consistent daily routines that foster a sense of purpose. However, as we see with JT’s case, sometimes individuals become resistant to change, which can complicate these efforts.
Time.news Editor: This incident also brings to light the role of community and possibly law enforcement. The brother reported making attempts to seek help but felt that those reports went unaddressed. What should communities and authorities do differently to prevent situations like this?
Dr. Anna Weiss: Communities need to create more robust support networks, particularly for vulnerable individuals showing signs of distress. This includes better training for law enforcement and social services to respond effectively to such threats. Comprehensive assessments and ongoing follow-ups could bridge gaps in the system. Ideally, when someone makes a report about concerning behavior, it should trigger a coordinated response from multiple agencies to address both safety and rehabilitation.
Time.news Editor: You also mentioned the impact of violent video games on JT’s behavior. How significant is that in the context of this discussion?
Dr. Anna Weiss: While the link between video games and real-life violence is complex and often debated, excessive gaming can lead to desensitization to violence and social withdrawal. In moderation, video games won’t inherently cause violent behavior, but in someone already vulnerable and isolated like JT, they can contribute to further detachment from reality and social norms.
Time.news Editor: The brother’s feelings of anger and disappointment are also palpable in this case. How does such tragic familial involvement affect the family dynamics moving forward?
Dr. Anna Weiss: The emotional fallout from incidents like this can be devastating. Families often struggle with guilt and shame, grappling with their loved one’s actions. This can lead to a cycle of trauma that affects not just the immediate family but also the community around them. Healing is a long process, and support networks become vital in helping the family cope with their emotions while navigating the aftermath.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Weiss. This incident is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health and community responsibility. For our viewers, we urge you to engage in conversations about mental well-being and to show kindness to those who may be struggling. Thank you for tuning in, and we hope to provide more insights in the coming days.