A 14-year-old boy from Eritrea was found dead at a lake in Dormagen near Düsseldorf. Injuries suggest a violent crime, prompting the public prosecutor's office and the city to offer a 10,000 euro reward for tips leading to the perpetrator's conviction.
A passerby discovered the body of the 14-year-old at a lake in Dormagen. The body showed injuries indicating a capital crime, as stated by a police spokesperson. The Düsseldorf public prosecutor's office and police suspect a violent crime.
The boy, known as Yosef, was from Eritrea and had lived in a city accommodation in Dormagen since 2018. He attended a city school and was well integrated into society. An autopsy has been performed, but the prosecutor's office did not share preliminary results on Friday and is awaiting the final report.
The city of Dormagen is deeply shocked. The mayor expressed condolences and emphasized support for the victim's family and surroundings. Students and teachers at the school are receiving professional psychological care.
The boy's football club is also in mourning: "With great sorrow and deep dismay, we received the news of the far too early death of our club member," it said on the club's homepage. "Yosef was an extremely popular boy who was highly regarded not only in the club but also in the entire village community. His radiant smile and exceptional team spirit made him a valuable member of our club."
The homicide squad is appealing for witness tips. The total reward of 10,000 euros aims to encourage residents to provide information leading to the perpetrator's conviction.
