Father Found Guilty of Trying to Kill His 3-Year-Old Daughter with Mouse Poison: Reports

In a disturbing case from Bavaria, a 28-year-old man has been convicted of attempting to murder his three-year-old daughter by forcing her to ingest mouse poison. The court’s decision was handed down on 18 March, at the Landshut Regional Court, but remains subject to appeal.

Elias G., the father, was found guilty of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and mistreatment of a minor. Local media, including Bild and Die Zeit, reported that the court sentenced him to eight years in prison, although this verdict is not yet legally binding. German courts typically do not disclose the surnames of defendants to protect their privacy.

The court learnt that in December 2024, the father had crafted a makeshift capsule using cling film, filled with a lethal dose of rodent poison specifically calculated for a child of his daughter’s age. Scrutiny of the evidence revealed his DNA was discovered inside the capsule, suggesting direct involvement in the crime.

Prosecutors put forth a chilling claim that the father was motivated by financial gain, suggesting he sought to evade alimony obligations. However, the court appeared to reject the notion that financial greed played a significant role in his intentions.

According to testimony presented during the trial, after administering the poison, Elias G. took his daughter back to her estranged mother, reportedly intending to frame her for the incident. Fortunately, the child began to vomit shortly after, and the capsule had not fully disintegrated, potentially sparing her from more severe harm. Emergency services were promptly called, and the girl was taken to hospital, where she was treated and found to have suffered no major health complications.

Despite his assertions that the capsule did not come into contact with vomit when his daughter expelled it, a judge highlighted the possibility that the vomit might have slipped off the foil, raising questions about the father’s account of events. The court’s expert witness stated that it was plausible for liquid to have permeated the sofa on which they were situated.

Throughout the trial, Elias G.’s defence team alleged that the entire incident had been orchestrated, accusing the child’s mother of fabricating the events to discredit the father. The defence has indicated plans to appeal the court’s ruling, which adds another layer of complexity to this tragic case.

The ramifications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, raising broader questions about child safety and parental responsibility. Observers are closely watching as the details unfold, awaiting the decision regarding the appeal. In the meantime, the young girl is in a safe environment, having reportedly expressed her ordeal to a caregiver following the incident, which has brought attention to the vulnerabilities faced by children in similar situations.

The Landshut Regional Court has not yet responded to inquiries about the ongoing appeal process, leaving some uncertainty in the case’s future. As it stands, this tragic event has not only captured the attention of local media but also highlights critical issues surrounding parental conduct and child welfare in the face of domestic disputes.