In Dortmund, a man allegedly first killed his wife and then took his own life. A few hours earlier he is said to have reported himself to a psychiatric hospital – and been turned away. The police are investigating.
Did two people have to die in Dortmund because a psychiatric ward didn’t act? As the “Bild” reports, that’s exactly what happened.
It is undisputed that on Saturday a 56-year-old man allegedly first killed his 42-year-old wife and then himself. According to a statement from the public prosecutor’s office and the police in Dortmund, the man called the police to his apartment early on Saturday morning and asked for help. The officers were allowed into the house by the man. When the police were in the stairwell, the man jumped out of a window and died on the spot.
Officers found the woman in the home with serious injuries. She reportedly later died in hospital. It was not immediately known how the wife suffered the serious injuries.
According to initial investigations by a homicide commission, the 56-year-old has suffered from mental problems in recent months. The “Bild” reports that the 56-year-old went to a psychiatric clinic a few hours before the crime and reported anxiety and delusions there.
He also felt the urge to do violence to other people and himself. According to “Bild”, he asked the doctors for help, but they sent him away. He should report to his family doctor on Monday, according to the alleged statement.
Prosecutor Milena Klement told the newspaper: “Whether the man asked for admission to a psychiatric clinic before the crime and was rejected there is the subject of the investigation.” Witnesses would be interviewed.
Editor’s note: In this case, we have chosen to report on a case that addresses an extended suicide. Unfortunately, it can happen that people with a depressive disposition see their view strengthened after reports of this kind that life has little meaning. If this happens to you, please contact the telephone counseling service immediately. You can find help on free hotlines such as 0800-1110111 (Protestant), 0800 1110222 (Catholic) or 0800 3344533.
