Regardless of the ongoing investigations, the police did not release any further details about the case of the ten-year-olds who were killed in Wunsiedel over the Easter weekend. On Friday, the investigators had announced that an eleven-year-old boy was listed as a participant in the crime. The boy was housed in the same child and youth welfare facility where the ten-year-old was found dead in her room.
It also remained unclear until Easter Monday whether the investigators had spoken to the boy in the meantime. The child was housed in a “secured facility” as a preventive measure, it said on Friday. At the age of eleven, the boy is under criminal responsibility and cannot be prosecuted for a crime. In Germany, as in most other developed countries, criminal responsibility does not occur until the age of 14.
It remained unclear on Monday whether the police suspected other people involved in the crime and how the girl died. The investigators also gave no information on what kind of traces had led to the boy.
Special commission determined
The ten-year-old was found dead in her room in the child and youth welfare facility on Tuesday. The public prosecutor assumes a homicide. A special commission with around 40 officers began their investigations.
The sponsor of the child and youth welfare facility has assured that the other children are well cared for and would be accompanied in their grief. “They have trusted contacts who can listen, catch and accompany them,” said the Catholic youth welfare of the Regensburg diocese on Saturday.
Some children went to their parents over the Easter holidays. Others returned to Wunsiedel from a ski camp. The residential groups are therefore not fully occupied. “These somewhat smaller group units promote the opportunity for discussion. Psychologists, experienced specialists and the crisis team are there when they are needed.”
Members of the Bavarian state government were relieved that the clarification of the crime is progressing. “Quick clarification and the background to the crime are of great importance for all those affected,” said Social Affairs Minister Ulrike Scharf (CSU). This is the only way to come to terms with the tragedy.
Press release from 7.4.
