Two days after the body of nine-year-old Valeriia was found in a forest near Döbeln in the German state of Saxony, the murder squad is still looking for one or more perpetrators. To this end, leads would be sought, witnesses would be questioned and statements would be assessed, senior prosecutor Ingrid Burghart said on Thursday.
Investigators believe the child was not sexually abused. “The girl was dressed.” She did not want to say anything about the details of the investigation or the cause of death – because she may have known the perpetrator. “We have theories about the motive,” Burghart said. “That is why we also look at the closer social environment. But I can’t say anything about that at the moment.”
Two men in the crosshairs of investigators
According to research by ‘Bild’, the detectives have two men in their sights. One of them is the ex-boyfriend of Valeriia’s mother and is said to be in the Czech Republic. He contacted the mother the morning of Valeriia’s disappearance. His mobile phone was allegedly logged into a mobile phone in Döbeln and he was filmed by the surveillance camera of a neighboring house. They are also looking for a man in his mid-50s who allegedly previously stalked Valeriia’s mother. When asked by the German Press Agency, the Public Prosecution Service did not want to say anything about it.
Questions continue to arise as to why police searched the area for the girl so late. A witness heard screaming on the outskirts of town on the day of Valeriia’s disappearance and later reported it to police. According to the police, this could not be determined more accurately at first and the body was found about two kilometers away. When the family later told the police that they had often been in the forest near the Knollensteine , the search there was expanded. The girl was found dead in the bushes on Tuesday afternoon.
School misconduct?
The Public Prosecution Service is also investigating possible misconduct at the school. They did not contact Valeriia’s mother as required when the child was not in class last Monday. A report from the State Office of Schools and Education will be awaited and a decision will then be made on whether there is initial suspicion of criminal activity, the state office said. There may be a violation of the duty of care and supervision. Authorities have confirmed the school’s failure and are investigating the misconduct. According to the information, this could lead to legal action.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
