In the early hours of Saturday, 20‑year‑old Florian L. attacked his longtime acquaintance Dilara O. (26) and her four young children with a knife in a high‑rise block in Bergkamen, North Rhine‑Westphalia, leaving the mother and all four children seriously injured.
Victims hospitalized
The relationship between Florian L. and Dilara O. remains unclear; he is not reported to be the father of any of the children. The mother is being treated in intensive care, while Dilara O., her three sons aged 3, 5 and 7, and her 8‑year‑old daughter are in a hospital with severe injuries. According to BILD, all victims are currently in a stable condition.
Timeline of the attack
Police say the assault began around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday. Florian L. first used the knife as a cutting weapon, slashing Dilara O. across the chest. He then turned on the children, inflicting “15 to 20 stitch and cut injuries” across the body and head of the 8‑year‑old girl, who was described as “very traumatized” and in great pain by a spokesperson for the public prosecutor.
Suspect’s background
Neighbors reported that Florian L. was frequently seen “getting high” and was a known presence in the local drug scene, often hanging around playgrounds. The motive for the attack has not been established.
Arrest and legal proceedings
After the attack, the mother managed to stay conscious long enough to alert her sister. Florian L. fled the scene and was apprehended eleven hours later in a cellar of a house. He is scheduled to appear before a judge on Sunday and has remained silent to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the attacker?
The attacker was identified as 20‑year‑old Florian L., described by the victim’s father as a close family friend who had previously stayed overnight at their apartment.
What injuries did the victims sustain?
Dilara O. received a slash across her chest. The three sons (aged 3, 5 and 7) and the 8‑year‑old daughter suffered severe stab and cut injuries; the daughter alone suffered 15‑20 wounds on her body and head and was described as “very traumatized.” All are currently in stable condition.
What is the current legal status of the suspect?
Florian L. was captured in a cellar eleven hours after the attack and is due to appear before a judge on Sunday. He has not spoken publicly about the incident.
What steps could communities take to identify warning signs before such attacks occur?
