Five children, aged 1 to 8, found dead in apartment, mum suspected of murder

Updated 3 September 2020 at 5:04 pm·2-min read

A 27-year-old mother is suspected of killing five of her children aged between 1 and 8 in the western German city of Solingen, police say.

Police told German press agency, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) that the woman was later severely injured after she threw herself on to the train tracks in the nearby city of Dusseldorf.

“We do not yet know exactly what happened when or why, only that it is a very tragic situation,” police spokesman Stefan Weiand said.

An investigator dressed in protective gear leaves the crime scene where the children were found. — Five dead children aged one to eight years were found dead in an apartment. Source: EPA

He said that the mother was at present not in a fit state to be questioned.

The police have also not released any details on the children’s cause of death, although German publication DW reported early reports suggested medication was used in the children’s deaths, which is something police are investigating.

The children were three girls aged 1, 2 and 3 years and two boys aged 6 and 8.

The woman’s 11-year-old son survived and has been placed with family members.

The children’s grandmother, who lives about 60 kilometres from Solingen, notified the police shortly before 2pm local time, officials said.

A stuffed toy is placed next to candles on a mailbox at the entrance of the apartment building where five children died. — A stuffed toy is placed next to candles on a mailbox at the entrance of an apartment building, where five children were found dead. Source: DPA

They later found the five bodies in an apartment complex in Solingen’s Hasseldelle district, home to many large housing developments dating back to the 1970s.

The mother is believed to have travelled to Dusseldorf’s main station with her 11-year-old son, where she threw herself in front of a train at 1.47pm.

According to a fire department representative, the woman was found between two track beds and taken to hospital.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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