Overview

• The 57-year-old was attacked around midday outside her residence and, despite multiple wounds to the abdomen and back, managed to reach the interior, according to WDR.
• Her adopted children, ages 15 and 17, were at home and called police after the assault.
• Police removed a teenage male from the scene, according to Bild and WDR reports, though officials have not confirmed his identity or role.
• Investigators conducted searches in the surrounding area as they work to determine whether more than one assailant was involved.
• Stalzer won Herdecke’s mayoral race in late September with inauguration planned for early November, and national leaders including Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack and wished her recovery.