In brief
In a historic decision, Belgrade’s judiciary handed prison sentences to both parents of a 13‑year‑old who killed nine at a school in May 2023. The father received 14½ years, while the mother was sentenced for neglect and given a nearly three‑year term. Both sides appealed, leaving the case poised for further judicial review. The verdict underscores the legal system’s move toward stricter gun‑control enforcement.
Parents of Serbian School Shooter Sentenced to Prison
Belgrade’s court has imposed jail terms on the mother and father of a 13‑year‑old who opened fire on a school, killing nine people in May 2023.
The father was sentenced to 14 years and six months, while the mother received two years and eleven months for neglecting her son’s safety.
Both prosecution and defense have filed appeals, and the case will be heard in an appellate court.
Authorities noted that the shooter pulled two handguns from his father’s safe, rushed to school, and fired 66 rounds in about two minutes.
The incident, unprecedented in Serbia, prompted public protests and a government response that included a gun amnesty and tougher gun‑control laws.
The parent case, first tried in 2024, had resulted in a mixed verdict: the father was convicted for negligent firearm handling, while the mother was cleared of illegal possession but found guilty of neglect. A retrial was ordered in November 2025 due to unclear and contradictory earlier judgments, with the retrial beginning in January 2026.
Legal experts say this outcome may influence how Serbian society and its legal system confront similar tragedies in the future.
