Parents of Serbian School Shooter Sentenced in Court Retrial

In a retrial that began in January, the parents of a 13‑year‑old suspect who opened fire at Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school have been given jail terms in Belgrade.

The boy, who shot dead seven girls, one boy and a security guard on 3 May 2023, was assessed as below the age of criminal responsibility and was placed in a psychiatric institution. His parents were tried for neglect and abuse of a minor.

Father Vladimir Kecmanović was sentenced to 14 years and six months in prison, while mother Miljana Kecmanović received a term of two years and 11 months. The judge noted that the son fired 66 bullets over a period of two minutes and one second, many of which hit his victims.

The courtroom noted that the boy’s parents were accused of failing to secure the two handguns from his father's safe; the parent’s negligence contributed to the tragedy. A shooting instructor was also found guilty of giving false evidence during the original trial.

Protests in Belgrade and nationwide responses, including a gun amnesty and stricter firearm laws, followed the May shooting. The legal battle continues, with both the defence and prosecution lodging appeals.

The case underscores Serbia’s rare experience with school shootings and the broader societal debate over gun safety and child protection in the country.