Grandson Strangles Own Grandma When She Returned From Hospital So He Could Rob Her

Story By: Georgina Jadikovska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

A German man accused of strangling his own grandmother in her garden after welcoming her home from a hospital visit in order to steal her valuables has gone on trial.

Merlin Franciszak, 35, was accused of conspiring with his girlfriend to murder his own grandmother Eva Franciszak, 86, in the garden of her house in the German city of Bonn on 16th September 2020.

The elderly woman who was the only one in the family that was supporting the 35-year-old described as the black sheep of the family was coming back home from therapy at the time when her grandson lovingly greeted her.

@merlin.franciszak/Newsflash

He offered her a warm welcome at the outdoor fence by taking her bags.

But within few moments from their meeting, he punched her in the face and knocked her down, before starting to strangle her with his bare hands before continuing this strangulation with a cord, the court heard.

According to the public prosecutor’s office Merlin Franciszak and his girlfriend identified as Yvonne B., 33, allegedly decided to kill the 86-year-old woman because they wanted her valuables.

@merlin.franciszak/Newsflash

While Merlin was supposed to carry out the killing and steal the elderly lady’s cash and jewellery, while Yvonne B. was expected to provide an alibi by claiming that he had spent the evening with her.

However, Eva’s loud screams were heard by the neighbours who called the police.

When the officers arrived on site they encountered 35-year-old Merlin, who claimed nothing had happened.

@merlin.franciszak/Newsflash

He was immediately arrested after the cops discovered his grandmother’s corpse lying in the front yard and covered with a blanket.

During the first day of the trial on Monday 11th May 2021, it was revealed that Merlin Franciszak was recently released from prison after serving a six-year prison sentence for robbery and assault.

His grandmother Eva Franciszak was the only one who offered him shelter and took him in when he was released in January 2020.

@merlin.franciszak/Newsflash

Franciszak remained silent during the trial, as the court accused both him and his girlfriend Yvonne B. of collective murder out of greed.

Lawyer Dr Dagmar Schorn who represents the defendant’s aunt who stands as co-plaintiff in the trial said: “My client can not understand what he has done to this day. He sawed off the only branch he was sitting on.”

The trial continues.