The trial concerning a fatal stabbing in Pulheim has commenced at the Cologne Regional Court, with four men facing charges of manslaughter and bodily harm.

On Tuesday, the Cologne Regional Court began proceedings in the case of a fatal stabbing that occurred in Pulheim, North Rhine-Westphalia. Four men, aged between 21 and 34, are facing charges of manslaughter and collective bodily harm. The incident took place during a confrontation in April on a parking lot near Pulheim’s city garden, where the accused allegedly attacked two individuals, resulting in one fatality and severe injuries to another.

According to the prosecution, the altercation began when the four accused met with their eventual adversaries, anticipating a physical confrontation. Two of the men, aged 25 and 29, reportedly carried knives. The 25-year-old allegedly approached one of the victims with a drawn knife, prompting the victim to strike him with a beer bottle, causing injuries to his head and neck. A 34-year-old man then attempted to intervene and separate the parties but was fatally stabbed twice in the back and chest by the 25-year-old, with the intent to kill, as stated by the prosecutor. The victim succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward in a rescue vehicle, including a punctured pericardium.

Following the fatal attack, the four accused reportedly assaulted the deceased man’s friend using punches, a knife, and a baseball bat, leaving him severely injured. Emergency medical intervention saved his life, and he is participating in the trial as a co-plaintiff. The defendants are expected to provide statements regarding the charges during the trial, which is scheduled to continue with eight additional hearings until mid-December.