Trial begins for Austrian man accused of murdering ex-partner

A 31-year-old man identified as Patrick M. has been officially charged with the murder of his 32-year-old former partner, Stephanie Piper, in Austria. The crime reportedly took place last November at the victim's apartment. Following the incident, the perpetrator admitted to the murder, attributing his actions to jealousy. He is accused of strangling and stabbing the victim before placing her in a suitcase and burying it in a forest near the Slovenian border.

Authorities are currently investigating whether the victim was still alive when she was placed in the suitcase, citing facial injuries found during the autopsy as potential evidence of a struggle. Prosecutors previously stated in March that while the exact timing of death remains difficult to determine, it is possible she was alive during the entombment. The case has sparked significant public outrage across Austria due to the brutal nature of the femicide. Legal proceedings are now underway following the official formalization of charges this Monday.