Cold Case of Sabine Rahn Highlighted on 'Aktenzeichen XY' After 42 Years

The 1983 murder of the 18-year-old remains unsolved, with police seeking new leads through DNA analysis and public appeals.

Sabine Rahn, 18, disappeared in March 1983 while heading to meet friends at a disco in Heidenheim, Germany; her body was found days later, showing evidence of sexual assault and strangulation.
Despite decades of investigation, including the collection and testing of 450 DNA samples, the identity of the perpetrator remains unknown.
Police have leveraged advanced DNA sequencing technology to create a profile of the suspect, identifying him as having blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin at the time of the crime.
A public awareness campaign, including posters and an appearance on ZDF's 'Aktenzeichen XY... ungelöst,' aims to generate new tips, with investigators urging anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities believe Rahn may have entered a car with the wrong person, a scenario common in the 1980s, and hope advancements in forensic and public cooperation can finally solve the case.