Suche
Mein Konto
Death ride in Mannheim: Who is the murderer behind the tragedy?
After the fatal car ride in Mannheim, churches invite you to an ecumenical prayer. Perpetrator known, investigations underway.
Death ride in Mannheim: Who is the murderer behind the tragedy?
Fear is simmering in Mannheim after a shocking death drive on Rose Monday, in which a 40-year-old German, Alexander S. from Ludwigshafen, deliberately drove his car into a crowd. Two people were killed and eleven others were seriously injured in the gruesome incident. When the public prosecutor's office speculated that the perpetrator's psychological problems might have played a role, an ecumenical service was scheduled for Tuesday evening in the "Citykirche Konkordien". This will be led by Catholic and Protestant clergy, while Mayor Christian Specht will also be present, as the website of the Catholic City Deanery of Mannheim reports.
The alleged perpetrator is no stranger: He has numerous previous convictions, including assault and a drunken driving incident. In addition, his social circumstances seem worrying: he lived alone, was single and had no children, as public prosecutor Romeo Schüssler announced. When he was arrested, he managed to shoot himself in the mouth with a blank pistol. He is currently being treated in hospital where investigators hope to interview him today. A conspicuous note found in the perpetrator's car could provide clues to his plans. It contains calculations about braking distances and reaction times, and the sheet was decorated with a smiling face and hearts, which raises questions about the motives, Mannheim24 reported.
Investigations and possible motives
Alexander S. is being investigated for double murder and multiple attempted murders. According to the prosecutor's concerns, he had committed the crime intentionally, without any apparent extremist or religious motives, which the investigators initially determined. The city of Mannheim remains in shock and department stores remained closed the day after the incident. At a time of great sadness and horror, churches in the city are mobilizing in a service designed to offer hope and solidarity as the investigation deepens.