The small town of Döbeln, Germany, has been shaken by the discovery of 9-year-old Valeriia’s body in a forested area near the town. Valeriia, who had been missing since June 3, was found dead on June 11, about 4 kilometers from her home. The German police, led by Chemnitzer Police President Carsten Kaempf, have confirmed that they are treating the case as a murder investigation. The search for Valeriia involved extensive efforts, including over 400 house-to-house searches, the deployment of special dogs, a helicopter, divers, and assistance from the Ukrainian authorities. The local prosecutor’s office has ruled out sexual violence and is focusing on Valeriia’s immediate family circle for potential leads. No arrests have been made, and the police have yet to identify any suspects, despite questioning a significant number of local citizens and checking the whereabouts of known sexual offenders. Valeriia’s mother is being provided with psychological support, and efforts are being made to facilitate her father’s travel from Ukraine to Germany. The community has rallied around the family, with private search parties and public appeals for assistance. The tragic case has drawn national attention and highlighted the challenges faced by families displaced by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key points
- 9-year-old Ukrainian girl Valeriia found dead in Germany, with police investigating as murder.
- Extensive search efforts involved over 400 house-to-house inquiries and the use of special dogs, a helicopter, and divers.
- No suspects have been identified, and the investigation is focusing on the girl’s immediate social circle.
