Overview
- Search teams discovered a dead child believed to be Bella during a resumed search on Thursday morning after she was reported missing Wednesday around 12:30.
- A large multi‑agency operation had searched the area through the night, including local police, the Bereitschaftspolizei from Eutin, volunteer firefighters, search dogs, drones and a helicopter.
- Officials repeatedly warned that Bella is autistic and urgently dependent on medical care, which prompted urgent public appeals for residents to check gardens, sheds and outbuildings.
- Police said they currently do not suspect a criminal background, have not confirmed cause or exact circumstances of death and expect forensic examinations and an official update from the Polizeidirektion Kiel.
- The case has deeply affected the local community and revived memories of prior tragic missing‑child cases, and investigators’ next public steps and test results will determine whether further family or safety measures follow.