From murderer to victim of injustice: the incredible case of Manfred Genditzki
Manfred Genditzki spent more than 13 years behind bars for a murder he did not commit. Now he is at least receiving financial compensation: the Free State of Bavaria is paying him 1.31 million euros. A huge sum – but no real consolation for a life lost.
The case is one of the biggest judicial scandals in recent years. And it raises many questions: How could it have come to this? Why did it take over a decade for the mistake to be corrected? And is money enough to restore justice?
The "bathtub case" – a clue that wasn't a clue
In 2008, an elderly woman dies in her apartment in Rottach-Egern. The police quickly assume that it was a homicide. Genditzki, who was the building's caretaker at the time, comes under suspicion. In 2010, he is convicted for the first time—of murder. Two years later, the next verdict is handed down: life imprisonment. The so-called "bathtub murder" makes headlines nationwide.
But the suspicion was wrong. In 2023, new forensic reports revealed what should have been recognized earlier: it was an accident. No act of violence. No perpetrator. And no murder.
1.31 million euros – compensation with deductions
The Bavarian Minister of Justice has now announced that an out-of-court settlement has been reached. The compensation covers all claims—from the period of imprisonment to the retrial. However, although the sum seems high at first glance, it is taxable. In addition, legal fees and other expenses will be deducted from it.
The real problem: 13 years in prison, locked up, stigmatized, losing your everyday life—no amount of money in the world can make up for that.
Promises for the future – genuine reform or empty words?
The Bavarian judiciary is showing signs of reform. In future, special divisions will take over retrials. The selection of expert witnesses will also be subject to more critical scrutiny. In addition, efforts will be made at federal level to ensure that wrongfully imprisoned individuals receive more compensation per day—instead of 75 euros, the amount will be increased to 100 euros in future.
And: Work is being done on concepts to better support people after their release. It's a start. But is it enough?
Our classification
Manfred Genditzki receives millions. And yet there remains a bitter aftertaste. Because it should never have come to this. What happened here is not simply an isolated mistake—it shows how blind the system can sometimes be once it has made up its mind.
It takes more than just promises of reform. It takes the courage to be self-critical—and above all, the willingness to recognize mistakes more quickly. Because Genditzki is probably not the only one sitting in prison—even though he shouldn't be. The real question is: How many others are still waiting for justice?
Source: br.de
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