The Lüneburg Regional Court has sentenced two men to eleven and twelve years in prison, respectively, for attempted murder related to incidents where objects were thrown onto highways. As of January 21, 2026, the verdict is not legally binding.
Men Targeted Highways, Then Posed as Rescuers
According to the court, 23-year-old Janus A. from Schleswig-Holstein and 32-year-old Markus B. from Thuringia intentionally threw objects from highway overpasses. They then allegedly staged themselves as rescuers to boost their self-esteem, recklessly endangering the lives of anyone affected. Markus B. received an eleven-year sentence for attempted murder in six cases, along with charges of dangerous interference with road traffic and bodily harm. Janus A. was sentenced to twelve years for attempted murder in seven cases, also including charges of dangerous interference with road traffic and bodily harm. Additionally, Janus A. was convicted of misusing titles after falsely identifying himself as a senior emergency physician at the scene of one incident.
Court Finds Evidence of Low Motive and Premeditation
The court determined that the elements of aggravated murder – low motive and premeditation – were present in the case. The defense for Markus B. has already announced plans to appeal the verdict, while Janus A.’s lawyer will discuss a potential appeal with his client.
Defense’s Evidence Request Denied
Prior to the verdict, the defense presented a comprehensive request for evidence. However, the presiding judge immediately dismissed the request, stating the court was capable of assessing the danger posed to vehicle occupants by the thrown objects. Both men have been in pre-trial detention since June of last year and have been on trial since the end of November. The prosecution and co-plaintiffs had requested a ten-year sentence for attempted murder and premeditation, while the defense argued for a maximum of eight years for dangerous interference with road traffic and bodily harm.
Eleven Incidents Across Multiple States
Janus A. and Markus B. are accused of throwing heavy objects from highway overpasses in eleven separate incidents during the summer of 2025 across Lower Saxony, Thuringia, and Bavaria. These incidents occurred on highways including the A1 near Elsdorf (Rotenburg district) and the A7 in the Harburg and Heide districts. At least one person sustained minor injuries. The indictment alleges the men knowingly risked causing accidents and even fatalities, and then presented themselves as first responders.
Conflicting Testimony Throughout the Trial
Throughout the trial, both men offered testimony and admitted to some of the actions. Janus A., a trained paramedic, submitted a statement claiming the acts were not planned but spontaneous. He stated he frequently spent evenings with Markus B., consuming alcohol and occasionally drugs. Markus B. confirmed the alcohol consumption but claimed he was unaware Janus A. was causing the accidents until the seventh incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges were the men convicted of?
Janus A. and Markus B. were convicted of attempted murder, dangerous interference with road traffic, and bodily harm. Janus A. was also convicted of misusing titles.
What were the sentences handed down?
Markus B. was sentenced to eleven years in prison, while Janus A. received a twelve-year sentence.
Are the verdicts final?
No, the verdicts are not yet legally binding. The defense for Markus B. has announced an appeal, and Janus A.’s lawyer is considering an appeal as well.
Given the potential for appeals, what further steps might be taken in this case, and how long could the legal process ultimately take?
