DJs Tekibo and Pencil after Aargau rave shooting: 'Barely slept in three days'
Following the fatal shooting at an Aargau rave, DJs Tekibo and Pencil have spoken out. A 43-year-old Swiss national has been arrested.
DJs Tekibo and Pencil describe the night of the rampage in Aargau
In the early hours of Sunday, shortly after 2.30 a.m., shots were fired at an Aargau rave near the horse racing track in Schachen. According to Blick, two weapons were used: a pistol or submachine gun, as well as an assault rifle. 22-year-old Italian national Maria S., resident in Oftringen AG, was killed. Six other people sustained injuries, some of them severe. The Aargau cantonal police described all the injured as random victims.
Suspect turned himself in to police
In the early hours of Monday, shortly after 1 a.m., a 43-year-old Swiss national from the canton of Jura was arrested in Delémont. He turned himself in to the authorities. The Aargau cantonal police believe there was a single perpetrator and now describe the act as a rampage. The alleged criminal offences include intentional manslaughter — some attempted —, murder — some attempted —, multiple endangerment of life, and violations of weapons legislation.
La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera reported independently that the arrested man is a former military member who had previously received inpatient psychiatric treatment for psychological problems. He is also said to have confessed to the deed. The Aargau cantonal police have not officially confirmed these details so far; the newspapers cite sources from investigative circles.
'The night was beautiful — then we heard the shots'
Two days after the tragedy, DJs Tekibo and Pencil released a joint statement on Instagram. "The past few days are difficult to put into words. We feel the need to tell what we experienced — especially because so much false information has already been spread," they wrote.
The two musicians described the night itself as carefree: people had laughed, danced, lived. "We felt nothing but love," their post stated. Then they heard shots from outside. People ran in all directions seeking shelter.
They described the critical moment as follows: a friend close to Maria S. called them and reported that Maria had been shot. "That call knocked us to our knees," Tekibo and Pencil wrote.
Criticism of media coverage and fake fundraising campaigns
The two artists openly criticised how the media handled the event. "We were there. The media were not," they wrote, and appealed: "Please do not turn rumours into facts. There are still no final official answers from the authorities."
Beyond the media reporting, Tekibo and Pencil also took issue with individuals launching fundraising campaigns without the family's consent. Attempts to get in touch had been treated disrespectfully and messages ignored. In the meantime, an official GoFundMe for Maria S.'s family has been set up with the parents' consent.
A questionable competition has also emerged within the community: "People are giving false interviews. It is no longer about the tragedy. It has become a competition over who is portrayed as a hero," the DJs wrote.
'We don't need headlines. We need privacy.'
The personal exhaustion of the two is palpable. "We are grieving. We have barely slept in three days. We are bombarded with interview requests without anyone even asking if we are okay," they wrote. And further: "We are not okay. We don't need headlines. We don't need speculation. We need privacy."
Despite everything, Tekibo and Pencil do not want to turn their backs on music. "Music is our freedom. Music is our voice. Music is our connection. We will continue to stand together — for M., for our community, for our freedom," they concluded their statement.
Family of Maria S. demands thorough clarification
The father of the slain Maria S. has also commented through his lawyer Bruno Gallo. In a statement, it says: "For the family, one aspect remains central: Maria was murdered at just 22 years of age and the circumstances of the crime have not yet been fully clarified."
The information released so far does not permit the reconstruction of the facts to be considered complete, it continues. "The hypothesis of an act attributable to an alleged rampage can neither answer all questions nor replace thorough clarification. The family therefore demands that the investigation be continued with the greatest care."
The family also emphasised that Maria, as a "daughter of Italy," must not be left alone: "Italy must stand by her and finally receive her at home with the honours and dignity to which she is entitled."
The Aargau cantonal police provided information on further investigative findings at a press conference on Wednesday. Blick is reporting on the case as developments unfold.
Source: Blick