What is wrong with Hungarian legislation? 11-year-old Tamás Till’s killer might walk free

The long-unsolved murder of Tamás Till, who disappeared 24 years ago, has taken a significant turn with the confession of János F., now 40. Despite his admission, legal complexities regarding his age at the time of the crime raise questions about his liability. Prosecutors argue that the statute of limitations for aggravated homicide has not expired, sparking hopes for a conviction. As the case unfolds, the Till family seeks justice amid ongoing legal uncertainties.

The tragic case of Tamás Till

As we reported HERE, the long-standing mystery surrounding the murder of Tamás Till, a Hungarian boy who disappeared 24 years ago at the age of 11, has finally been resolved. The Bács-Kiskun County Police announced that the killer, identified as János F., was just 16 years old at the time of the crime. Tamás’s remains were discovered this summer, buried in cement on a farm in Baja, revealing fractures in his ribs, skull, and spine. Following extensive investigations, including interviews with over 40 witnesses, János F. confessed to the murder during a re-interrogation on 28 November.

He admitted to luring Tamás Till to the farm under false pretences and attacking him without reason. Despite his confession, János F.’s criminal liability had expired due to his age at the time of the offence, allowing him to leave freely after questioning. The case, which had remained one of Hungary’s most high-profile unsolved crimes since Tamás’s disappearance in May 2000, involved numerous false leads and tragic developments, including the suicides of key figures linked to the case.

Photo: Youtube / Random

Possible motive behind the gruesome murder?

As Infostart writes, legal representatives suggest that sexual motives may have driven the murder. However, the exact motive remains unclear since János F. did not disclose it during his confession. The lawyer representing the Till family argued that the nature of the crime—marked by brutality and a lack of apparent motive—points towards sexual motivation, as there was no history between the victim and the accused.

The legal proceedings are complicated by questions regarding the statute of limitations for aggravated homicide, with prosecutors asserting that it has not expired despite János F. being a juvenile at the time of the crime. This situation raises concerns about how he will be held accountable in court, particularly given that he will be tried under juvenile sentencing practices despite being 40 years old now. Tamás’s mother expressed her hope that this development might bring some accountability after years of grief, stating, “Maybe it’s better now that this perpetrator (…) can be convicted.”

Source: Facebook / Magyar Rendőrség

The prosecution’s view

On 12 December, the Prosecution Service of Hungary shared in a statement that the prosecution’s position is that in the case of non-expiring crimes, the calculation of the statute of limitations is conceptually excluded. In the ongoing criminal proceedings concerning the aggravated murder of Tamás Till, committed on 28 May 2000, the public prosecutor’s office has concluded—based on the interpretation of laws applicable at the time of the crime and those currently in force—that for non-expiring crimes, such as aggravated murder, the statute of limitations cannot be applied.

Consequently, if someone commits aggravated murder as a minor, it cannot expire in the same way as if an adult committed it. For these reasons, the Bács-Kiskun County Prosecutor’s Office, which oversees legality, has called upon the investigative authority to apprehend and interrogate the individual suspected of committing the crime. According to the newest information on the case, the Bács-Kiskun County Prosecutor’s Office has requested the arrest of a man suspected of murdering Tamás Till.

Read also:

• 24-year-old murder solved: Identity of little Hungarian boy Tamás Till’s killer revealed
• Missing boy’s body found after 24 years on Hungarian farm – 18+