Chronic
The murder of two people on Monday in Upper Austria brings back memories of the double murder in Stiwoll, which marked its seventh anniversary on Tuesday. Friedrich Felzmann, who was 66 at the time, shot two neighbors and seriously injured a woman.
The case of Upper Austria certainly shows a parallel to the case of Stiwolle. In the case of Monday’s fatal shooting, the search is still on for the suspected shooter – more on this in Search: neighboring countries on standby (ooe.ORF.at).
On October 29, 2017, after a years-long legal dispute, Felzmann, then 66 years old, fired several shots at neighbors with a rifle – killing a woman and a man and seriously injuring another woman. He then fled in a minibus, which he later parked in a nearby forest.
Photo series with 8 pictures
Hundreds of emergency services and specialists from various police units across Austria were searching at the time, and from then on the suspect himself was lost.
On the “Most Wanted” list.
SoKo Friedrich disbanded years ago. Felzmann remains on the “Most Wanted” list of the Austrian Federal Criminal Police Office – in the category “Manhunt for criminals”. A total of 529 tips were received up to and including 2022, with no more tips from the public since the beginning of 2023, according to state police headquarters on Tuesday. A reward of 5,000 euros is still being offered for information leading to his arrest.
ORF
Felzmann always saw himself as a victim of the justice system and expressed himself loudly in public
Only when Felzmann – or his body – is found can the poet be completely closed. From the police point of view, the situation was innovative at the time, for example drones were used for the first time since their introduction, and the structure of the control center was then improved – more on this in Five Years after Stiwoll: “Indications are getting smaller” .
During a local inspection by ORF Steiermark on the seventh year, ORF reporter Gernot Frischenschlager happened to meet the widower of one of the victims. The man is not sure that the man he is looking for is dead. He thinks that Felzmann could also go into hiding and change his appearance.
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor and Criminal Psychology Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we have a rather somber but important topic to discuss. With recent events in Upper Austria bringing back memories of a notorious double murder from 2017, we’re here with Dr. Eva Müller, a criminal psychologist who specializes in violent crime and criminal behavior. Welcome, Dr. Müller.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, although the circumstances are tragic.
Editor: Absolutely. Let’s start with the incident from earlier this week. It seems to echo the 2017 double murder case involving Friedrich Felzmann. How do such cases leave an imprint on communities, and why do they often resurface in discussions like this one?
Dr. Müller: Such events are profoundly disturbing and leave long-lasting effects on communities. They serve as reminders of vulnerabilities within a society, and when similar incidents occur, they often trigger memories of past traumas. The fear and uncertainty, the questions about safety, and the emotional scars can resurface every time there’s a similar case, which is what we’re witnessing now.
Editor: In the case of Felzmann, he was involved in a protracted legal dispute before committing his crime. What does this indicate about the relationship between ongoing disputes and potential violent outcomes?
Dr. Müller: Ongoing disputes, especially those that become highly contentious, can escalate tensions significantly. Individuals might feel cornered or powerless, leading to destructive behaviors. In Felzmann’s case, it appears that years of unresolved conflict culminated in a violent explosion. Understanding these disputes is crucial in a preventative context; addressing grievances earlier might avert such tragic outcomes.
Editor: We know Felzmann is still on the ”Most Wanted” list and that police have received a significant number of tips without any leads recently. What psychological factors might contribute to someone like Felzmann remaining elusive for so long?
Dr. Müller: Individuals like Felzmann often possess a certain level of cunning and may rely on calculated strategies for evasion. They may also find a sense of empowerment in being on the run. Additionally, those with a history of violent behavior frequently display high adaptability and resourcefulness, making them difficult to apprehend. It’s also possible that they have established support systems or hideouts that assist in their evasion.
Editor: That brings us to the community’s role in such situations. With a reward in place for information leading to his arrest, how important is community involvement in solving these types of crimes?
Dr. Müller: Community involvement is absolutely vital. Local residents are often the best source of information regarding unusual activity or suspicious behaviors. A community that is alert and willing to report can significantly aid law enforcement efforts. Additionally, creating a dialogue in which people feel safe to come forward with information is essential for solving violent crimes like these.
Editor: With the search ongoing and no new tips since 2023, what might be the next steps for authorities and community members to keep this issue alive and ultimately aid in capturing individuals like Felzmann?
Dr. Müller: Authorities need to maintain public awareness, perhaps through regular updates that keep the case in the spotlight and encourage community engagement. Implementing local workshops that educate citizens about the signs of suspicious behavior could also be beneficial. Additionally, social media campaigns can widen the reach and share details about the case while ensuring that the community feels involved in the safety of their environment.
Editor: It’s a complex situation, indeed. Dr. Müller, thank you for your insights today. They truly shed light on how past events can influence current circumstances and the psychology behind violent behavior.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to have these conversations to promote understanding and hopefully prevent future tragedies.
Editor: Indeed. And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We’ll continue to follow this story closely and keep the community informed as new developments arise.
