A German father shot and killed his wife and their two young children before taking his own life in their home in southern Germany, police confirmed Monday. The family of four was discovered deceased in their apartment in Strullendorf, a town located north of Nuremberg, on Friday evening.
According to a joint statement from prosecutors and police, the investigation began after the family’s landlord became concerned when he could not reach his tenants. His decision to alert authorities led to the grim discovery.
Investigators identified the perpetrator as the 52-year-old father, a German national. Police stated that he used several legally owned and licensed firearms in the attack. The victims were his 14-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter, alongside his wife. Their ages and relationships have been established, though full identification procedures are standard in such cases.
preliminary findings indicate the incident was an act of domestic violence culminating in a murder-suicide. Authorities have explicitly stated there is no current evidence suggesting involvement by any third party. The exact sequence of events and the motive remain under active investigation by the specialized homicide division.
The case has drawn attention to the specifics of German gun legislation. While the country maintains some of the European Union’s strictest firearms regulations, including rigorous licensing and background checks, legally owned weapons are still present in households. The father’s possession of multiple licensed firearms is a key factual detail under scrutiny by investigators, who will examine the licensing process and any potential warning signs.
Further forensic analysis, including autopsies on all four family members, is expected to provide a clearer timeline and confirm the precise cause and time of death for each individual. Police have not released details on whether a note or prior disturbances were reported.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the community in Strullendorf. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on establishing a complete factual record while supporting any surviving relatives. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of domestic violence and has prompted a review of the immediate circumstances by law enforcement, with no public suspicion of external criminal activity at this stage.
