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Cordoning off at the crime scene (June 7)
Photo: Swen Pförtner / dpa
According to initial investigations, the fatal shots at a woman in a supermarket in Schwalmstadt in northern Hesse were a relationship act.
The 58-year-old perpetrator, who then shot himself, had a relationship with the 53-year-old victim between the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, according to the police in Homberg.
Accordingly, the woman had ended the relationship.
The man could not get over the separation.
On Monday evening there was initially a police operation on the woman.
A referral was issued against the 58-year-old who was staying in her apartment.
He complied with this.
The man behaved inconspicuously and quietly.
Officials would have advised the woman and informed her about the possibility of filing a complaint.
On Tuesday morning, the woman reported her ex-boyfriend for assault, coercion and stalking.
According to the investigators, their interrogation did not reveal any signs of a specific threat.
But a short time later, the 58-year-old shot the woman and then himself. Alerted emergency services found the two dead in the supermarket.
No other people were harmed.
The Kassel police chief Konrad Stelzenbach was shocked.
“We are all deeply saddened by this tragic act.
Our sympathy goes in particular to the relatives and all people who are under the direct impression of this incredible crime," he said.
The investigation into the case is ongoing and the police have asked witnesses for information.
czl/dpa/AFP
