Overview
- The 32-year-old former partner surrendered this week, admitted killing Scharinger in 2018, led officers to human remains near Allentsteig, and was arrested.
- At a Vienna police briefing, investigators said he strangled her from behind during a breakup dispute, then moved the body before reburial on a military training area.
- Forensic testing is under way, including DNA comparison and autopsy to confirm identity and cause of death, and prosecutors have requested pre-trial detention.
- Detectives had long focused on him over relationship turmoil, searches about K.O.-drops, and travel to remote parts of Lower Austria, but the lack of a body stalled charges for years.
- Renewed pressure followed a recent domestic-violence report and chat messages about a “perfect murder,” and police leadership now rejects allegations of earlier investigative failures.