In a remarkable turn of events, a German court has cleared the name of Manfred Genditzki, a former custodian who spent over 13 years in prison for the alleged murder of an elderly woman found in a bathtub.
Genditzki had been serving a life sentence for supposedly striking the 87-year-old tenant on the head during a dispute and then drowning her. Throughout the extensive legal battle, he consistently maintained his innocence.
In a judicial scandal that captured national attention, the judges at the regional court in Munich determined that Genditzki had been wrongfully convicted. They cited new evidence suggesting that the woman's death was accidental, leading to his exoneration.
The court spokesman declared, "It was not a murder, he is acquitted and thus innocent." Following the verdict, Genditzki remained composed while many of his supporters openly wept in the courtroom.
Genditzki reuniting with loved ones
Genditzki, now 63 years old, had worked at a large residential complex in the town of Rottach-Egern. He had previously appealed his conviction successfully before a federal tribunal, but a Munich court found him guilty again in 2012.
However, in this third trial, his defense attorney, Regina Rick, presented new evidence based on advances in forensic science. This evidence included temperature analysis of the bathtub water, which indicated a different time of death than initially presumed.
Additionally, a computer simulation demonstrated that the woman's death was likely accidental.
Last August, Genditzki was released on bail after his defense attorney presented the compelling new evidence. He returned to his family and found employment as a driver at a cheese factory while awaiting the new trial.
After enduring more than 13 years of wrongful imprisonment, missing out on precious moments with his children and grandchildren, Genditzki has finally been vindicated.
The court ordered compensation for Genditzki, amounting to nearly €369,000, to be paid at a rate of €75 for each day he spent in jail.
He may also be eligible for additional damages related to lost income. The acquittal, even supported by the prosecution in the end, was made possible by expert reports utilizing modern methods that were not available during his previous convictions.
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