Iris Stalzer, the 57-year-old mayor-elect of Herdecke in western Germany, is in a critical condition after being found with multiple stab wounds at her home on Tuesday 7 October 2025. Police have opened a homicide investigation and are exploring whether the attack may have a domestic background.
Emergency services were called to the apartment shortly before 12.40pm after reports of a violent incident. Stalzer was treated at the scene and airlifted to the Knappschaft University Hospital in Bochum, where doctors say she remains in a life-threatening condition.
Detectives have not ruled out any line of inquiry. Two of Stalzer’s adopted teenage children, aged 15 and 17, were at the property when police arrived. Officers are said to be examining evidence taken from the flat and questioning family members to clarify the sequence of events.
Police investigating the Herdecke mayor-elect stabbing said there was no immediate indication of a political motive. Local media reported that Stalzer may have been attacked near her home before managing to return indoors, though this has not been officially confirmed.
A special homicide unit from nearby Hagen is leading the case. In a statement, officers asked anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area to come forward. The inquiry is also comparing Tuesday’s events with a previous domestic dispute reported earlier this year.
Stalzer, a member of the centre-left Social Democratic Party, was elected mayor of the small Ruhr Valley town, home to about 23,000 residents, after a runoff vote on 28 September. She was due to take office on 1 November after narrowly defeating her conservative rival, Fabian Conrad Haas.
Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, condemned what he described as “a shocking act of violence”, adding: “We all hope Ms Stalzer makes a full recovery.” Local officials in Herdecke have expressed disbelief, saying she had planned to focus her new term on community housing and youth initiatives.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates once forensic results and witness interviews are complete. For the latest verified information, see the police bulletin confirming the formation of a homicide unit and ongoing appeal for witnesses.
For the latest verified information, see the police bulletin confirming the formation of a homicide unit and ongoing appeal for witnesses.
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