Idar-Oberstein: gas station attack – the victim's mother speaks in court

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Mario N. in court: "I can't wait for you to forgive me"

Photo: SEBASTIAN GOLLNOW / AFP

The district court of Bad Kreuznach is hearing the murder of a gas station employee in Idar-Oberstein - and the hearing came to shocking scenes when the victim's mother testified.

Mario N. is accused of murdering her son.

He has admitted killing the 20-year-old cashier at a gas station in a dispute over mask requirements.

Mario N. had apologized to his victim's mother in a letter.

In court, the woman said, "I can't forgive you." He couldn't expect that from her.

The accused replied in a shaky voice, "I can't expect you to forgive me.

But I want you to know that I'm sorry."

A helpful person

The woman had previously recounted her horrific experiences the night her only son was shot - and how she found out about his death.

Her son was a very helpful and happy person, the world had become darker since his death.

Since then she herself has had nightmares and is undergoing psychiatric treatment.

According to his defense attorney, N. argued with the cashier about the obligation to wear a mask when paying at a gas station in Idar-Oberstein on September 18.

N. therefore left the gas station without the goods.

At home he got more and more annoyed about the situation at the gas station and decided not to let the matter rest.

According to the indictment, N. returned with a mask about an hour and a half after his first visit to the shop.

N. therefore pulled her down at the cash register to provoke a reaction from the employee.

There was a brief exchange of words in which he was asked to put the mask back on.

The 50-year-old then shot the 20-year-old in the face from a short distance.

jpz/dpa