Searches are not always successful: double murderer Stiwoll, whose crime celebrated its seventh anniversary on Tuesday, has been seen again since then. The police are still offering 5,000 euros in response to information.
Emergency services have been searching for the 56-year-old man who is said to have shot two men in the Rohrbach area of Upper Austria on Monday morning for more than 24 hours. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes the search is in vain – like the search for Stiwoll’s murderer.
Exactly seven years ago, on October 29, 2017, Friedrich Felzmann, who was 66 years old at the time, shot several times at neighbors with a rifle in the Styrian town of Stiwoll in the Graz district. He killed a woman and a man and seriously injured another woman with gunshots. After the crime, Felzmann fled in a minibus, which he later parked in a nearby forest. Hundreds of emergency services and specialists from various police units across Austria were searching at the time, and there is still no trace of the suspect himself.
Disputes between neighbors
The reason was a years-long legal dispute between the neighbors over a path into the Felzmann property. According to the findings of the police, the crime was not prepared; At home he kept an “enemies list” of potential victims; it was reported that Felzmann was repeatedly due to an attempt against the state authorities and the reactivation of the National Socialists.
Police at the scene of a shooting in Stiwoll near Graz. APA / Elmar Gubisch
After he escaped and the large-scale manhunt was launched, local schools and kindergartens were temporarily closed, and church services in Stiwoll were confirmed by a large police presence. Hundreds of police roamed the regional forests and abandoned homes. A tunnel system was also searched in an old silver mine; here too, no clues were found as to the whereabouts of the person being sought.
Knowledge from all over the world
Police have investigated about 530 tips over the years, many of which have also led abroad. People in the USA, South America, Asia, Hungary, Germany, Slovenia, Italy as well as Lithuania and Latvia believed they saw the fugitive. But so far, no verified trace of the once internationally wanted man has been found.
Experts now believe he may be dead. Felzmann is still officially wanted, although the special commission that sought him has long since ended. The Styrian State Criminal Police Office has offered a reward of 5,000 euros for information leading to his arrest.
Felzmann is no longer on Europol’s most wanted list; Only two Austrians are currently on the wanted lists in Europe and Austria, the murderer Tibor Foco, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1987 and was able to escape in 1995, and Martin Schabel, a suspected drug trafficker on the run since. 2021. (twi/APA)
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Criminal Justice Expert
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Welcome, Dr. Schneider. Thank you for joining us today. The case of the Stiwoll double murder has captivated the public for years. As we reflect on the seven-year anniversary of this tragic event, what are your thoughts on the ongoing investigation and the fact that the suspect remains at large?
Dr. Schneider (D.S.): Thank you for having me. The Stiwoll case is a chilling example of how complex and unpredictable criminal investigations can be. It’s been seven years since Friedrich Felzmann committed these heinous acts, and the fact that he remains elusive speaks volumes about the challenges law enforcement faces, even with substantial resources at their disposal.
T.E.: Exactly. Despite the search efforts involving hundreds of emergency responders, there seems to be little progress. Why do you think some cases, like this one, can go cold for so long?
D.S.: Several factors can contribute. In many cases, the perpetrator has planned their escape meticulously, as was evidenced by Felzmann fleeing into the forest. Also, over time, key witnesses may lose their memories of the event, or they may no longer be available to provide information. Additionally, the lack of physical evidence can hinder police efforts significantly.
T.E.: The police have offered a financial incentive of 5,000 euros for information leading to Felzmann’s capture. How effective are such rewards typically in generating leads?
D.S.: Monetary rewards can be a double-edged sword. They can indeed motivate individuals to come forward, particularly those who might otherwise remain silent out of fear or loyalty. However, the effectiveness largely depends on the community’s relationship with law enforcement and the perceived credibility of the reward. In this case, it may draw in some information, but it may not be sufficient if the community feels disillusioned or unsafe.
T.E.: The article mentions that the crime was rooted in a long-standing dispute over property access. How important is the context of personal relationships in understanding such violent crimes?
D.S.: Context is crucial. Domestic disputes and neighborly grievances can escalate into violent confrontations, especially when individuals feel cornered or threatened. In Felzmann’s case, the long history of conflict appears to have fueled his rage, leading him to act in a shocking and irrational manner. Understanding the psychological and social dynamics at play can often provide important insights into the behavior of offenders.
T.E.: The case highlights an important aspect of mental health, as well. There are reports suggesting Felzmann had an “enemies list” and had previously made attempts against state authorities. How do you view the intersection of mental health and criminal behavior in cases like this?
D.S.: Mental health plays a significant role in many violent crimes, but it’s often a complicated issue. In Felzmann’s case, his list of perceived enemies and past disputes indicate a profound level of paranoia or distress. Recognizing these signs early on can be critical for intervention, but often, people fall through the cracks until it’s too late. It underscores the need for better mental health support and community awareness to help address such grievances before they escalate to violence.
T.E.: With the case now going cold, what actions can police departments take to rejuvenate interest in such long-standing cases?
D.S.: Cold cases can often benefit from fresh eyes. Law enforcement agencies might consider revisiting the evidence with new technology or techniques, or even re-interviewing witnesses. Community engagement events can also help raise awareness and encourage individuals to share any information they may have. Moreover, expiration of time can prompt those who may not have felt comfortable speaking earlier to come forward.
T.E.: Thank you, Dr. Schneider, for your insights into this complex and tragic case. As always, it’s a pleasure to hear your perspective on such important issues.
D.S.: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these conversations going as we work towards preventing such tragedies in the future.