Trial begins for man accused of killing partner with dumbbell in Leverkusen
A 34-year-old man faces murder charges at Cologne Regional Court, accused of a fatal attack on his girlfriend in mid-November 2025. The indictment cites cruelty as a murder characteristic.
The alleged attack
In mid-November 2025, the defendant struck his partner in the face at his Leverkusen apartment, according to the prosecution. Five days later, a much more severe assault occurred, during which the woman was killed. The man is said to have used a dumbbell as a weapon, among other objects.
Trial details
The case opened today at 9:30 before Cologne Regional Court. The 34-year-old is charged with murder and bodily harm. A court spokesperson stated that the indictment lists cruelty as the murder characteristic, distinguishing the charge from manslaughter.
Substance use
Investigators reported that the accused was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis at the time of the fatal incident. The trial is expected to examine the role of intoxication in the events.
