Fritzl Heads to Plush Psych Cell

(NEWSER) - Elisabeth Fritzl has “renewed strength” after beginning a relationship with her bodyguard, the Telegraph reports. Fritzl, 42, was held captive in an Austrian cellar and raped by her father, Josef, for 24 years; she and her six children by her father are now under police protection. “They are a couple,” a source said. “Everyone saw from the beginning how secure she felt with him.” More»

Daughter's testimony convinced him to confess, incest dad says

(NEWSER) - Josef Fritzl describes intense feelings of remorse in the first interview since his trial, the Telegraph reports. Fritzl, who abruptly switched his plea to guilty in the middle of the proceedings, said his decision was prompted by hearing his daughter describe in court how he imprisoned and habitually raped her: “After that, I want only the hardest punishment.” More»

Incest dad found guilty on all charges

(NEWSER) - Austrian incest dad Josef Fritzl has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to life in a secure psychiatric facility, the BBC reports. Jurors found Fritzl guilty on charges that included rape, incest, murder, and enslavement after he locked his daughter in a cellar for 24 years, raped her more than 3000 times, and fathered her seven children. Fritzl said he wouldn’t appeal. A court doctor recommended he be kept in the psychiatric facility. More»

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»

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»