Germany: Autopsy Ordered on Six Teenage Bodies

By Whitney Dotson
Germany Fire Tragedy
A shroud of mystery yet to be lifted remains concerning the news of six bodies found in an Arnstein garden house. The figures were discovered by the owner of the house---who, tragically, was also the father of two of the teens found. AP, Daniel Kermann

A shroud of mystery yet to be lifted remains concerning the news of six bodies found in an Arnstein garden house. The figures were discovered by the owner of the house---who, tragically, was also the father of two of the teens found.

All only 18 and 19 years old, the youths had thrown a party Saturday night. Concerned after not being able to reach his daughter and son, nor any of their friends a day later, the owner left his residence a short distance from Frankfurt and discovered the bodies the evening of Jan. 29. His suspicions were roused when, after several attempts to contact them, no word was returned. This rightly alerted the father and he promptly found his children as well as their four friends lifeless in a shed.

No related violent crime is suspected at this time. Police have ordered blood tests in addition to an autopsy to "determine whether any 'extraneous substances' were present." More news will be disclosed when results are confirmed. "Prosecutors and police said in a statement Monday that there is still no solid information on what happened but there are no indications at this point of a violent crime."

The police officials suggested as a matter of "pure speculation" the possibility of overdose involving an "unknown substance." The latest proposal directed to the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning upon the unearthing of a wood-stove in the shed. The harrowing event has naturally left the Bavarian inhabitants stricken by the pitiful and haunting incident. No doubt, families are keeping their own close over the following days.

Franz Josef, a mayor of the region has voiced ample support for the affected families, saying that they must be given space in this hour of grieving. "We must also ensure that we support our city as well as possible," he added, proving his words in a show of commemoration in which mourning flags were flown from the city hall. St. Nikolaus Church, the city's Catholic parish, also provided a vigil-service Monday evening. Autopsy results will likely take days to release. Until then, we can pray that all inflicted would know the peace and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories