Fritzl Admits All Charges

Jury to decide case today

(NEWSER) - Monster dad Josef Fritzl apologized "from the bottom of my heart" today for keeping his daughter locked in a cellar as a sex slave for 24 years, then added: "I can't go back and change it." Fritzl, 73, made his remarks as an Austrian jury was about to decide his fate. A verdict and sentencing are expected later today. Prosecutors called for the maximum life sentence for Fritzl in their closing remarks, CNN reports. More»

(NEWSER) - An intriguing report has surfaced in the aftermath of Josef Fritzl’s surprise guilty plea, the Times of London reports. Though unconfirmed by lawyers on both sides, various outlets say Fritzl’s daughter, Elisabeth, secretly attended much of the Austrian court proceedings. In fact, one source says her presence may have so unnerved her father he decided to admit to all charges. Fritzl faces life in prison at sentencing tomorrow. More»

Will be held on camera; press faces jail for reporting

(NEWSER) - The judge in Josef Fritzl’s incest trial kicked press and the public out of the court today ahead of Elisabeth Fritzl’s video testimony in a move to protect her identity, the Guardian reports. Her recorded evidence is being played “in small portions,” a court official said, because it is reportedly excruciating to watch. Four backup jurors are available if matters prove too painful for the eight current ones. More»

Lawyer says dungeon dad's just a guy who wanted a big family

(NEWSER) - Apparently Josef Frizl’s mom made him do it. Austria’s most infamous incestuous rapist today told the court he’d committed his awful deeds because he had a “troubled childhood,” the Daily Telegraph reports. Fritzl regaled the court with the story of his early days, showing emotion only when he discussed his mother, who he said didn't allow him to have friends. Former neighbors have in the past said she beat him regularly. More»

(NEWSER) - Elisabeth Fritzl was released today from the psychiatric institution where she has been hospitalized since being discovered in April, the Guardian reports. Recuperating with her at the hospital, and also released today, were the six surviving children fathered by Josef Fritzl, who is imprisoned awaiting trial on charges of rape and enslavement in addition to the murder of one of the children he had with his daughter. More»