Knife attack at Olfen care home: one dead, two seriously injured
A 72-year-old resident allegedly attacked several fellow residents with a knife at the St. Vitus-Stift in Olfen. An 86-year-old woman died, and two other women were seriously injured.
Murder investigation launched after fatal attack at care home in Münsterland
A 72-year-old resident at the St. Vitus-Stift in the Westphalian town of Olfen attacked several fellow residents with a knife on Friday evening. According to 20 Minuten, citing the public prosecutor's office and police, the alleged perpetrator was reportedly sitting in a wheelchair at the time.
An 86-year-old resident died at the scene. Two other women – aged 81 and 83 – were seriously injured and taken to a hospital. The 83-year-old was temporarily in life-threatening condition; the morning after the attack, authorities reported that her condition had stabilised for the time being.
Investigators identified the care home's canteen as the scene of the crime. Police officers arrested the German national without resistance. According to the Bild newspaper, the man rolled back to his room after the attack. It was initially unclear when he would be brought before a judge.
The motive remained unclear initially. The Bild newspaper reported that the suspect told officers he had felt bullied by his fellow residents and wanted to take revenge. Police and the public prosecutor's office initially made no statements on this and referred to a later press release. A murder investigation team was established.
Two rescue helicopters landed at the facility on the evening of the attack; police arrived with a large contingent. Officers were still on site the day after, with several police vehicles standing outside the building. Relatives of residents were directed to the home via a side entrance, and the canteen's blinds remained closed. Witnesses described the atmosphere as calm and oppressive.
Source: 20 Minuten