Cottbus, Brandenburg – A murder trial against a man accused of killing a police officer is facing potential collapse due to a significant legal misstep. The case centers on Dawid K., 27, of Jelenia Góra, Poland, who was allegedly involved in a high-speed chase with police in January 2025.
Traveling at 172 km/h, K. reportedly overtook another vehicle in Lauchhammer and collided with Police Officer Maximilian Stoppa, 32, who was attempting to deploy a tire-deflation device. Stoppa died at the scene. Prosecutors allege K. “recklessly disregarded the risk to life” and intentionally caused Stoppa’s death while attempting to evade capture following a series of car thefts.
The trial, which began Wednesday at the Cottbus Regional Court, was abruptly halted after just 50 minutes following a surprising argument from the defense. Attorney Christoph Rühlmann is arguing that his client has already been convicted for related crimes, and therefore, the current murder charge violates legal principles.
According to Rühlmann, K. was already sentenced to five years in prison by the Hildesheim Regional Court in September for two counts of car theft connected to the same incident. The Hildesheim court was aware a more serious murder charge was possible, but ultimately convicted him on the theft charges. He also received a sentence of three years and three months from the Leipzig Regional Court for additional vehicle thefts.
Rühlmann contends that “double jeopardy” applies, arguing that K. cannot be punished multiple times for the same underlying criminal act – the theft and subsequent flight. Prosecutor Jens Meyer reportedly expressed surprise at the defense’s argument, noting that the original prosecutor on the case has since retired.
Presiding Judge Frank Schollbach acknowledged the “problem” presented by the defense, stating that, according to current legal interpretation, double jeopardy may not have occurred. However, he emphasized the word “current,” suggesting the court is still considering the matter. Schollbach indicated the court will consider whether the alleged actions were part of the same continuous criminal act or a separate, subsequent decision by the defendant.
Rühlmann stated he has consulted with multiple legal experts and is prepared to appeal to the Federal Constitutional Court if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Officer Maximilian Stoppa?
Officer Stoppa was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by Dawid K. while attempting to deploy a tire-deflation device during a police pursuit in Lauchhammer in January 2025.
Why is the murder trial potentially being stopped?
The defense argues that Dawid K. has already been convicted and sentenced for the underlying crimes of car theft, and that prosecuting him for the officer’s death would constitute double jeopardy.
What is “double jeopardy”?
According to the defense, double jeopardy means that a person cannot be punished more than once for the same offense. They argue the theft, flight, and subsequent collision are part of a single criminal act.
Will the court uphold the defense’s argument and dismiss the murder charge, or will the prosecution be allowed to proceed? The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent regarding the application of double jeopardy principles in similar situations.
