Discovery of Remains in Austria
The bodies of a 34-year-old woman and her 10-year-old daughter, both Syrian nationals, have been located inside freezers within an apartment in Innsbruck, western Austria. The discovery occurred on Friday, several months after their disappearance was initially reported. The freezers were concealed behind a drywall partition in the residence.
Arrests and Investigation
Two men, an Austrian national aged 55 and his 53-year-old brother, were arrested in June in connection with the case. The older man, identified as a colleague of the deceased woman, informed police last week that an accident had occurred, though he denied involvement in murder. Hansjörg Mayr, a spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office, stated that the two individuals are being held under "strong suspicion of murder." Austrian law prohibits the release of the names of those involved.
Timeline of Disappearance and Subsequent Events
The woman's cousin, residing in Germany, reported the family missing on July 25, 2024. Initially, the 55-year-old male colleague informed authorities that the woman and child had departed for an extended trip to Turkey to visit relatives. Subsequent investigations revealed multiple uses of the woman's bank card abroad. However, her mobile phone was later found at her residence. A witness also reported hearing a loud noise and cries of "mama" from the apartment on the day the disappearance is believed to have taken place.
A broader police investigation ensued, which included the discovery of various communications sent from the woman's phone. These communications included a resignation letter submitted to her employer and messages exchanged with the male colleague. Additionally, a four-figure sum of money was reportedly transferred to the same man.