Austrian authorities investigate woman’s death in case dubbed ‘Pelicot 2.0’

Austrian authorities are investigating the death of a 39-year-old woman in Marchtrenk, in a case that some investigators have reportedly dubbed “Pelicot 2.0.” According to reports in local media, the woman may have been drugged or rendered defenseless by her husband and subjected to sexual abuse by other men.

Daniela Aichinger was found seriously injured at her family home on June 26 after her 51-year-old husband, Robert Aichinger, called emergency services and claimed that an “accident” had occurred during sexual activity. According to Der Standard, an autopsy determined that she died from blood loss caused by severe injuries to her abdominal and pelvic region.

In early July, prosecutors opened an investigation against her husband on suspicion of sexually abusing a defenseless person resulting in death. As the investigation progressed, another 51-year-old man also became a suspect after authorities determined that he had engaged in sexual activity with Daniela while she was heavily intoxicated and unable to defend herself.

However, a local newspaper stressed that authorities have not confirmed claims of an organized rape network or that the husband offered his wife to other men in exchange for money. Some media outlets have reported that the husband may have received up to 500 euros for facilitating encounters, but investigators have not established a payment between him and the second suspect and are still examining whether other people were involved.

Investigators are also examining messages found on the husband’s cellphone. According to reports, he referred to his wife in degrading terms and allegedly sent a neighbor a photograph of her unconscious on the night of her death. Messages attributed to the husband reportedly acknowledge that Daniela did not consent to the sexual encounters.

Both suspects are currently in pretrial detention and are being investigated for the sexual abuse of a defenseless or mentally impaired person resulting in death. The husband has remained silent, while the second suspect has reportedly confessed extensively and expressed remorse. He is also accused of the aggravated humiliation of the victim, an offense that carries a potential prison sentence of five to 15 years.

The case has also brought allegations about the husband’s previous behavior to light. His former wife told prosecutors that he had displayed violent behavior during their marriage, including an alleged physical assault that left her with injuries to her jaw, cheekbone and nose. She also alleged that he had pressured her to engage in sexual practices involving other people, which she refused.