Double murder in Richelsdorf: Police are urgently looking for witnesses!

Double murder in Richelsdorf: Police are urgently looking for witnesses!

In Wildeck-Richelsdorf, in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district, the dark shadows of a crime have recently been cast: the violent death of a married couple becomes a tragic reality that keeps the community in suspense. On June 30, police discovered the bodies in a remote forest. A 50-year-old man is suspected of being behind this crime and has been in custody since July 1st. The suspicion of murder against him is unmistakably loud and there are currently various questions surrounding the circumstances of his actions.

As the investigation shows, the dead are a 67-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman. Both had been missing since the night of June 28th to 29th. Her identity was confirmed using comparative DNA available to authorities. The autopsy revealed that the deceased did not die of natural causes, which continues to pose new puzzles for investigators. The exact manner of killing and the circumstances of her death have so far been kept secret for tactical reasons, which is further increasing public interest, especially as there is currently a feeling of insecurity in the region.

Intensive investigations underway

After the body was found, the Fulda public prosecutor's office and the Bad Hersfeld criminal police came into play and initiated intensive investigations. This includes extensive forensic investigations, apartment searches and the questioning of numerous witnesses. While the investigators looked around the site and the surrounding area, the suspect was arrested on Monday evening and brought before the judge on Tuesday. The arrest warrant is issued based on the suspicion of murder and the seriousness of the allegations, but much remains unclear.

The police are now also addressing the population and are urgently looking for witnesses. In particular, we request observations in Richelsdorf, adjacent field and forest paths as well as suspicious people or vehicles. A motorized two-wheeler with a trailer could provide crucial information.

A look at the crime situation

Based on figures from the Federal Criminal Police Office's Police Crime Statistics (PKS), it can be observed that violent crimes, such as murder and manslaughter, account for just 0.1% of all cases. While there was a 1.7% decrease in crime across Germany in 2024, the fear of violent crime remains strongly present in citizens' minds. In 2024, there were 285 murder victims among the approximately 5.84 million registered cases in the Federal Republic, although dark field studies show that not all crimes are reported.

With these developments in mind, the unpleasant case of Richelsdorf is not only a tragedy for the families affected, but also sheds a bright light on citizens' concerns about the security situation and the fight against crime in the region. The situation remains tense as the investigation continues and the police now rely on the public's help.

Information can be submitted either directly to the Bad Hersfeld criminal investigation department or to any police station. Anyone who has observed something should definitely get in touch - because every tip is valuable right now.