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Newly Elected Herdecke Mayor Stabbed as Police Point to Likely Familial Motive

Stalzer remains in life‑threatening condition after being airlifted to a specialist hospital in Bochum.

Overview

  • Police and prosecutors said there are no indications of a political motive and current findings point to a familial background, though investigations continue in all directions.
  • The 57-year-old was found around 12:40 p.m. with multiple stab wounds at her home and was transported by helicopter for intensive treatment, with several outlets reporting 13 injuries.
  • Her two adoptive children, aged 15 and 17, called emergency services and were taken for questioning and forensic procedures, with media reporting the son was led away in handcuffs.
  • Investigators are examining a reported incident from the summer in which the adoptive daughter allegedly used a knife against Stalzer, checking for possible links.
  • Senior politicians, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and SPD leaders, condemned the attack; Stalzer won the September 28 runoff with 52.2% and was due to take office in November.