‘GISELE PELICOT 2.0’ HORROR DEEPENS — EX-WIFE REVEALS THE ABUSE SHE SAYS SHE SUFFERED FROM THE SAME MAN
‘GISELE PELICOT 2.0’ HORROR DEEPENS — EX-WIFE REVEALS THE ABUSE SHE SAYS SHE SUFFERED FROM THE SAME MAN
The former partner of an Austrian man accused of sexually abusing his wife has come forward with disturbing allegations about their own marriage
A chilling Austrian case being compared to the notorious Gisèle Pelicot scandal has taken another disturbing turn after the accused man’s former wife came forward with allegations of violence during their marriage.
Robert Aichinger, 51, is under investigation following the death of his wife, Daniela Aichinger, 39, in Marchtrenk, Austria.
Daniela was found critically injured at the couple’s home after an alleged sexual assault. Investigators say she had suffered severe injuries and was extremely intoxicated at the time.
She later died from her injuries.
Authorities are now investigating whether other men were involved in the alleged abuse — and whether the case could be part of a wider network.
THE EX-WIFE SPEAKS OUT
The latest revelations came from Aichinger’s former wife, an unnamed 48-year-old woman who reportedly told investigators about violence she says she experienced during their relationship.
According to reports, she alleged that Aichinger became increasingly aggressive after the birth of their first son.
She reportedly described one incident in which he allegedly punched her repeatedly after she refused a sexual request.
The woman said the assault left her with a broken jaw and significant bruising.
She also alleged that Aichinger seriously abused the couple’s dog, describing the incident as so frightening that she was left terrified of him.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
A WIFE FOUND DYING
The current investigation began after Daniela was discovered by her teenage daughter at the family’s home.
Emergency responders reportedly found Aichinger intoxicated at the scene.
According to reports, he initially told authorities that Daniela had died during what he described as consensual “rough sex.”
But investigators became suspicious after an autopsy revealed severe injuries that were inconsistent with a simple accident.
Authorities say Daniela suffered extensive blunt-force trauma to her abdomen and genital area and died from blood loss.
She was reportedly so intoxicated that investigators considered her unable to protect herself at the time.
THE PHONE EVIDENCE
Investigators later searched Aichinger’s phone and allegedly found messages and searches that have become central to the investigation.
Reports say he had searched for ways to incapacitate someone shortly before Daniela’s death.
Police also allegedly discovered communications between Aichinger and another man concerning Daniela.
A 51-year-old neighbor has been arrested and reportedly admitted to sexually abusing Daniela, including on the night she died.
Authorities are now examining whether additional men may have been involved.
WHY THE CASE IS BEING CALLED ‘PELICOT 2.0’
The case has drawn comparisons to France’s landmark Gisèle Pelicot case.
Pelicot’s former husband, Dominique Pelicot, was convicted in 2024 after drugging his wife over years and allowing numerous men to sexually abuse her while she was unconscious.
He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Gisèle Pelicot later waived her anonymity and became a global symbol for survivors of sexual violence.
The Austrian investigation is still developing, but prosecutors are examining whether Daniela was subjected to repeated abuse and whether other men participated.
THE INVESTIGATION IS FAR FROM OVER
Aichinger remains under investigation over the alleged abuse of a defenseless person resulting in death. Prosecutors are also examining whether more serious charges could follow.
The neighbor remains a separate suspect in the investigation.
For now, investigators are working to establish exactly what happened to Daniela — and whether the disturbing allegations surrounding her husband point to something much larger.
A former wife has now spoken about alleged violence. Another man has reportedly admitted abusing Daniela. And investigators are still asking one terrifying question:
HOW MANY PEOPLE KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING — AND HOW LONG HAD IT BEEN GOING ON?
