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.