Berlin Jewel Heist: Suspect on Trial for Armed Robbery and Assault
A 41-year-old man stands trial at the Berlin Regional Court for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery at a jewelry store. The suspect is accused of entering the premises disguised in a wig and flat cap, carrying a bouquet of flowers.
Crime Scene and Accusations
According to the indictment, the accused threatened a 53-year-old employee with a firearm. He allegedly struck the woman with the weapon while an accomplice made off with approximately 15,000 euros worth of jewelry and cash. The suspect refused to speak at the start of the trial.
Charges and Defense
The prosecution charges the 41-year-old with aggravated robbery and dangerous bodily harm. The defense attorney claims that the accusations are unfounded. He argues that only a partial DNA sample on a cap connects his client to the crime.
"This doesn’t prove that he wore the cap on the day of the incident," the lawyer stated. "Someone else could have used it."
Other Suspects and Evidence
The suspect is believed to have been part of a trio that carried out the heist on October 14, 2023, in Berlin-Wilmersdorf. One of the perpetrators allegedly waited in a getaway car outside the store.
After the robbery, the suspects managed to escape undetected initially. However, the flat cap that the 41-year-old is said to have worn was left behind at the crime scene.
Prior Conviction and Imprisonment
The accused was convicted and sentenced to three and a half years in prison by the Berlin Regional Court in May 2024 for a similar jewel heist using the same method. He is currently serving this sentence.
The trial is scheduled to continue on February 18.
Additional Information
The 41-year-old is not identified by name in the news article. The article does not mention whether the stolen goods were recovered.
The outcome of the trial will determine whether the suspect is found guilty and sentenced for these charges.
