Millionaire Phil Giesen brutally murdered in Cologne-Hahnwald – clues wanted!

Millionaire Phil Giesen brutally murdered in Cologne-Hahnwald – clues wanted!

A brutal murder shocked Cologne-Hahnwald, where 74-year-old Phil Giesen, operator of the California Sun tanning salon chain, was found dead in his villa. Loud ZDF The terrible incident happened on the evening of October 8, 2024, when Giesen, who was on his way to his tanning salons in Jülich and Kreuzau at the time, returned home and met the burglars.

While he was away, unknown perpetrators broke into his house through a neighboring property. Upon his return, a confrontation ensued during which Giesen was tied up and brutally beaten, which ultimately led to his death. Surveillance cameras captured a dark-colored car, possibly a BMW 1 Series, being seen in the area both before and after the crime. Overall, the perpetrators left their mark by leaving sole prints from various shoes in the house, including brands such as Kappa and Nike.

Investigations and crime scene analysis

The police and public prosecutor's office are currently working hard on the investigation. A murder squad was set up to uncover the background to the crime. The crime scene in Cologne-Hahnwald, a prestigious, upscale district, was extensively cordoned off and investigated by investigators Cologne City Gazette reported. Giesen was discovered by an employee who arrived to go to work.

The investigators suspect that the perpetrators stayed in the house for about three hours and stole tens of thousands of euros in cash as well as Giesen's black leather jacket. In addition, a surveillance camera was stolen from the neighboring property and disposed of in the turning lane from the A555 to the A4. This violent act raises the question of whether it was a targeted murder or a burglary with a fatal outcome.

Call for witnesses to come forward

The police are urgently looking for witnesses who noticed anything unusual at the time of the crime or who saw the suspicious vehicle. Anyone with information about this can contact investigators on 0221 / 22 90. A reward of 35,000 euros was offered for information that could help solve the crime in order to promote a quick and easy investigation. In times of increasing burglaries in the region, some residents feel unsettled, as a neighbor reports.

In the context of current crime in the region, this shows Police crime statistics that the number of burglaries has increased in recent years. Giesen's tragic case could stimulate discussion about safety and prevention in upscale residential areas.