Rampage trial

The father of 17-year old Tim K. is to be tried for failing to secure the semi-automatic pistol which his son used for a rampage in the German town of Winnenden.

Authorities said Tim K. used a 9mm Beretta pistol that belonged to his father, who had kept the gun unsecured in his bedroom - a violation of German law.

Contrary to the demands of relatives of the victims, the father will not be charged with negligent homicide as the police failed to find enough evidence to back up the charges.

"The relatives are glad the court has agreed to hold the trial but deplore the fact that the charge is not negligent homicide," said Jens Rabe, the lawyer of the victims families.

Victims' relatives call for higher charges

Seventeen-year old Tim K. killed nine pupils and three teachers at his former high school in Winnenden, near Stuttgart on March 11, 2009.

After fleeing his school, he shot three other people while on the run. When the police caught up with him, he turned the gun on himself during an exchange of gunfire with armed officers.

Prosecutors had originally intended only to fine Joerg K. for not locking up the gun and the ammunition used in the rampage.

However, victims' relatives demanded a trial, saying the father had shown "gross negligence" in giving his "mentally ill" son "access to a weapon and 400 rounds of ammunition."

The events in Winnenden have already led to tighter gun ownership laws in Germany.

ai/dpa/AP
Editor: Rob Turner