Criminality - The police are investigating a crime within the family
After the violent incident in Albstadt, Swabia, with three fatalities and two injured, the Police suspect a familial murder case. Many questions remain open a day after the incident. The investigations into the exact sequence of events and the motives of the suspected perpetrator, according to Police and Prosecutor's Office, are ongoing.
According to reports, a 63-year-old German shot several family members at a residence on a Sunday afternoon. His 24-year-old son and his 84-year-old mother-in-law were reportedly killed by the man, as stated by Police and Prosecutor's Office. His 26-year-old daughter and his 59-year-old wife were allegedly severely wounded and transported to hospitals via rescue helicopters. They are still being treated in hospitals, according to investigators. The 63-year-old man reportedly committed suicide after the incident.
Many open questions
A day after the incident, investigations are reportedly ongoing, with many uncertainties. For instance, it is still unclear whether the man used one or multiple weapons during the incident. Additionally, investigations are ongoing into whether the 63-year-old legally possessed the weapons as a hunter. There is no evidence to suggest that other individuals were involved, according to Police and Prosecutor's Office.
Police responded with a large contingent after gunshots were heard
On a Sunday afternoon, gunshots were reported in a residential area of Albstadt. Callers reportedly understood the emergency call, and the Police responded with a large contingent, including dozens of patrol cars. Special forces were also reportedly on site and discovered the three fatalities and the two severely injured individuals. The 63-year-old suspected perpetrator was reportedly found dead in the garden of the residence.
The crime scene is located in a residential area in Lautlingen - a city district of Albstadt with 1,800 residents. Witnesses reportedly saw 30 to 40 patrol cars and numerous rescue services on site. Police officers in helmets, vests, and machine pistols secured the area around the crime scene. Criminal technicians and investigators from the Criminal Police secured traces and clues.
Albstadt is a small city in the Zollernalbkreis and has approximately 46,000 female and male residents. The city is located on the Swabian Alb, roughly 85 kilometers south of Stuttgart and around 60 kilometers north of Lake Constance.
- The violent incident in Albstadt has led to a heightened sense of criminality in the area, causing concern within the local community.
- The Baden-Württemberg Public Prosecutor's Office has taken over the homicide investigation, aiming to uncover the complexities behind this familial tragedy.
- In light of the step-mother and son-in-law's tragic deaths, the public is calling for stricter gun control measures in the region.
- The police have been working tirelessly to piece together the events of that fateful day in Albstadt, hoping to bring closure to the victims' families and ensure justice is served.
