Woman killed in Kelkheim – hundreds pay respects to 58-year-old
A 58-year-old woman was killed in Kelkheim by her husband with a machete. Hundreds of people paid their respects to her on the market square, while three citizens attempted to prevent the act.
Mourning the slain Kelkheim resident
A 58-year-old woman was killed in Kelkheim by her 60-year-old husband with a machete. According to the public prosecutor's office, the man inflicted at least 30 distinct stab and cut wounds on the victim in the head, neck and nape area. The woman died at the scene of the crime. As ffh.de reports, the attack occurred directly in front of the victim's residential building near the market square.
The 60-year-old is being held in custody on suspicion of murder. The public prosecutor's office accuses him of acting out of "exaggerated possessiveness and jealousy".
Hundreds gather for memorial service
On Saturday evening, hundreds of people gathered on Kelkheim's market square for a memorial service. Clergy from the Catholic and Protestant churches were present, as was a representative of the Croatian community. Mayor Albrecht Kündiger emphasised that the gathering was intended to focus consciously on remembrance and to refrain from political statements.
"The victim is a resident of Kelkheim," said Kündiger. "The perpetrator is also a resident of Kelkheim, to be clear about that." The victim had worked in the town and many residents had known the family.
Numerous eyewitnesses, many children traumatised
According to the mayor, almost 30, possibly more passersby witnessed the act. Particularly distressing: numerous teenagers and children were among the witnesses and subsequently had to be questioned. First Councillor Dirk Hofmann reported that at the crime scene he had seen "many children and young people sitting there in tears" whilst police questioned them. "This affects us especially deeply," said the mayor.
Three courageous citizens attempted to prevent the act
Three people intervened courageously and attempted to prevent the act, though they were unsuccessful. According to Mayor Kündiger, they consist of a 28-year-old German from Frankfurt's west side, a 17-year-old teenager from Kelkheim of Pakistani origin and a 32-year-old Afghan. They held the suspect fast and were subsequently covered in blood.
"The courage those people showed there, that they held the perpetrator, that they still tried to prevent the act – that is incredible," said Kündiger. The town plans to honour these three citizens. The mayor particularly emphasised that two of the helpers were refugees: "It was refugees who were involved in overpowering the perpetrator."
Shock in the town
Kelkheim residents are still in shock. A resident said: "It is simply appalling that so many young women are killed by men or ex-partners." Many fear for their safety: "You don't walk around as cheerfully here anymore, it is very oppressive."
Source: Die Zeit Kriminalität