In the early hours of the morning, a woman in Gelsenkirchen called the emergency number, saying her husband wanted to kill himself and had already injured himself, and begged for immediate help.
Details of the incident
Police and an ambulance were dispatched within minutes. While they were en route, further calls reported loud screams from the house. The first officers arrived about two minutes after the initial call and found the caller covered in blood inside the home in Nordrhein-Westfalen.
Victims
The woman, a 30‑year‑old mother of four, later died from her injuries. Her husband, a 36‑year‑old man of Turkish origin, was also found bleeding, apparently from self‑inflicted cuts. He was taken to hospital, underwent emergency surgery and is now in intensive care.
Police response
After locating both victims, responders called in additional medical assistance. The husband was stabilized and transferred to a hospital where he was operated on. The children, aged between three and eleven, were asleep at the time and have since been placed under the care of the youth welfare office.
Investigation
The investigating team believes the husband may have initiated the attack on his wife before harming himself. The case remains open, and detectives are working to determine the underlying cause.
Potential motive
Investigators have not yet identified a motive. Neighbours described the family as friendly, noting they had purchased the house only one and a half years ago and owned two expensive Volvo off‑road vehicles. Police tape was observed on the driveway after the incident. A 56‑year‑old neighbour said, “They were doing well financially, the children always played happily in the garden, and it is incomprehensible that this happened right before Weihnachten. I feel sorry for the children.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the emergency call occur?
The call was placed around half past one in the morning.
What is the condition of the surviving husband?
He underwent emergency surgery and is currently being treated in intensive care.
What happened to the children?
The four children, aged three to eleven, were asleep during the incident and are now under the custody of the youth welfare office.
How might this tragedy influence community support services in the coming months?
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