The mayor of the German city of Herdecke, who was rushed to intensive care with serious injuries, reportedly named her adopted daughter as responsible for the knife attack. The alleged weapon used in the assault, a kitchen knife, was found in the bedroom of her 15-year-old adopted son. According to information reported by German newspaper Bild, another knife was also found in the boy’s room, however suspicions are directed toward the mayor’s adopted daughter. Although the bloodstained knife was reportedly discovered in the boy’s backpack, blood-stained clothing belonging to the 17-year-old daughter was also found there.
Read: Germany: Mayor Iris Stalzer fights for her life after 13 stab wounds – Her 17-year-old suspect daughter and police investigations
Furthermore, according to the same reports, forensic investigators determined that larger blood traces had apparently been cleaned up before the emergency call was made.
However, it appears the traces became visible again thanks to forensic analysis procedures. This means it’s considered likely that the mother was sitting on the couch, bleeding and in serious danger, while attempts were simultaneously being made to eliminate the evidence.
The mayor is now out of danger
According to the same reports, the politician sustained a total of 13 stab wounds. She initially suffered serious life-threatening injuries to her torso. The prosecutor handling the case stated Wednesday morning: “Her condition is now stable.” Additionally, she reportedly sustained serious head injuries from blunt force trauma.
Despite her stable condition, doctors initially did not rule out life-threatening danger, as the multiple stab wounds—including lung injuries—could quickly cause serious complications. In the afternoon, police chief Ursula Sennberg announced: “Ms. Stalzer is no longer in danger and is recovering.”
The mayor “pointed to” her daughter as responsible
Due to conditions at the crime scene, police quickly concluded the attack occurred within her family environment. It’s established that the assault happened at her home. At the time of the attack, her adopted son and adopted daughter were in the house. Both children remained in police custody Wednesday morning.
According to homicide team leader Jens Rautenberg, the mayor was questioned at the hospital that evening, where she reportedly named her daughter as responsible. The attack location was the basement of the house. According to reports, there had already been a confrontation between mother and daughter last summer, with reports of domestic violence involving a knife. There were also ongoing tensions with the son.
It’s worth noting that on Wednesday, one day after the attack, police authorities continued searching the mayor’s house in the Herdecke-Herrentis area. The prosecutor’s office announced the case is no longer being treated as attempted murder, but as dangerous bodily harm, so no arrest warrant was issued.
The two minor children are expected to be released and placed under Youth Services supervision.
