- Hostility-fueled and retaliatory homicide sequence trial involving military personnel
A German military individual is being charged for allegedly killing four individuals in the Rotenburg district of Lower Saxony, specifically in the town of Westervesede and Bockel. This incident is scheduled to be tackled in court starting today at 13:30 in the town hall, as announced by the Regional Court of Verden.
The accusers claim that the German suspect shot the individuals due to deep-seated resentment and anger towards them, blaming them for the breakdown of his marriage. The deceased include the new partner of his ex-spouse, her mother, her best friend, and their three-year-old daughter.
The soldier is said to have carried out the act reminiscent of a house-to-house combat
The alleged offender is reported to have conducted himself in a manner reminiscent of house-to-house combat during the night of March 1st this year, a skill that he had acquired in his role as a paratrooper in the German army. The indictment states that he gained access to the homes of his victims by force, utilizing an axe.
In Westervesede, the man is alleged to have shot the 30-year-old partner of his ex-partner and her 55-year-old mother. The 30-year-old's three-year-old son, who resided with him in the village's house in the Scheeßel municipality, managed to survive the ordeal.
In the Bockel village, a 33-year-old friend of his still-married wife and her three-year-old daughter were also reportedly shot. The prosecution considers this a singular act, as both victims were fatally wounded by a single gunshot, with the child reportedly in her mother's arms.
The suspected murderer turns himself in at barracks
The morning following the attack, the presumed murderer surrendered himself at the Von-Düring barracks in Rotenburg (Wümme). The soldier allegedly drove to the barracks, exited a car, and surrendered according to investigators. He has been in custody since his apprehension.
According to authorities, the 32-year-old was not stationed at this specific barracks. He was discovered armed with an assault rifle and a handgun, which investigators believe didn't originate from the German military's arsenal. A Molotov cocktail was discovered in the driver's door of his car while ammunition and a German military backpack were found in the trunk.
Ex-partner and new friend sought police intervention
Shortly before the incident, the still-married woman and her new partner, who would later become victims, had reported the suspect for making threats to the police. On the same day, according to police officers, there was supposedly a "risk assessment" held with the 32-year-old where the situation was explained and possible consequences outlined. It was determined that there were no indications that the conflict would escalate to this degree.
The weapons authority of Rotenburg (Wümme) district was not aware of any accusations against the 32-year-old. Normally, investigation begins when an accusation is lodged against a weapon owner by the weapons authority. According to the authorities, the defendant holds a card for three registered weapons.
Verdict unlikely before spring
On the first day of the trial, the 51-page indictment will be read out, as claimed by a court spokesperson. Witnesses will not be called during the first day of proceedings. Lawyers representing at least eight relatives of the four victims will appear in court.
A total of 35 trial days have been scheduled, and the verdict is expected to be handed down sometime between March 28, 2025, as per the current plan.
The trial for the military individual charged with multiple murders will be held at the Regional Court of Verden, starting at 13:30 today in the town hall. Due to the seriousness of the case, the suspect is expected to be present in the courtroom.
