The Incident

The tragic event unfolded late Saturday night at the Papenbusch playground. Police were called to the scene around 1:25 a.m. where they found the 14-year-old boy with critical stab wounds. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries despite resuscitation attempts.

Another 17-year-old was also seriously injured in the attack, suffering deep cuts to his arm.He managed to escape and is currently receiving treatment at a clinic in Dortmund. His injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

The Arrest

Following the stabbing, police launched a manhunt for the suspect, a 17-year-old also from Menden. He was apprehended later that evening. According to police and the arnsberg public prosecutor, the suspect was found at his hiding place and did not resist arrest.

Authorities had previously issued a search warrant and published a photo of the suspect. Sources indicate he is known to law enforcement as a repeat juvenile offender.

Community Reaction

The playground, typically a place of joy and recreation, became a scene of grief as residents laid flowers and lit candles at the site. A local resident lamented,Yes,we are a focal point here. But so far everything was still good. The blood traces, only partially covered with sand, served as a stark reminder of the violence that had occurred.

One cyclist expressed outrage, saying, A murderer runs freely here, and there is nothing to be seen from the police! A young mother, visibly shaken, remarked, The children got it all. Terrible. referring to the morning investigation and evidence collection.

A group of young people, believed to be friends of the victim, were seen laying flowers, with some visibly distraught.

Investigation Details

Police have established a murder commission in hagen to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. They are urging anyone with data about the incident to come forward and have provided a contact number: 02331 986 2066.

Investigators are exploring the possibility that the stabbing stemmed from a dispute over a stolen e-scooter. unconfirmed reports suggest that several young men attacked the victims before the suspect allegedly used a knife. Police have interviewed some of the young people involved but have not confirmed the motive.

Minister’s Concern

North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, I am deeply affected by the death of the 14-year-old and I am alerting the increasing willingness to violence among children and adolescents.

The police alone cannot stop this development. Something went wrong somewhere else. We have to talk about what we have to do as a society so that such cases do not repeat themselves.

Herbert Reul, North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister

Reul emphasized the need for broader social measures to prevent youth violence, calling it a social problem.