Döbeln is the subject of this piece. - Investigation ongoing after tragic death of a child
Yesterday, two days after the grim discovery of nine-year-old Valeriia's body in a forest close to Döbeln, the investigation unit is steadily on the lookout for the identity of her murderer(s). This process entails determining traces, engaging with witnesses, and analyzing statements, according to the Chief Prosecutor, Ingrid Burghart.
Burghart mentioned that they don't suspect any sexual misconduct, stating, "The girl was dressed." As for the cause of death, she remained guarded as to not potentially reveal information on the perpetrator. "We have motive theories. That's why we're also searching her immediate social circle. But I can't disclose any details at this moment in time," she added.
As per Bild's research, the focus of the inquiry seems to revolve around two men. One is the ex-boyfriend of Valerias mom, supposedly situated in the Czech Republic. Reputedly, he reached out to Valerias mother on the morning of her disappearance. His phone is said to have connected with a tower in Döbeln, and he's also been spotted by a security camera at a nearby house by some reports. The second man is around 55 years old, indicated to have been stalking Valerias mother before. The prosecutor refused to comment on this detail with the German Press Agency.
The ongoing debate revolves around why the police took so long to search the area where Valerias body was found. A witness claimed to have heard screams on the day of her vanishing, which they reported to the police later on. The police couldn't pinpoint this at first and located the body approximately 2 kilometers away. The family eventually mentioned their frequent visits to the woods at the knoll stones, which prompted an extension of the search, culminating in the discovery of the deceased girl in the thicket on Tuesday afternoon.
Burghart's team is also examining a possible misconduct by the school. They neglected to contact Valerias mom as was required when she was absent from class on Monday of the previous week. An annual report from the State Office for Education and Culture is pending, following which a decision will be made regarding any potential criminal offenses. The background pertains to a possible breach of child protection and supervision. The educational body accepted their error and is taking appropriate measures against it, indicated to have potential legal ramifications.
