Trial for alleged child abduction starts in Dortmund
The trial against Elias D. has begun at the Landgericht Dortmund, where he is accused of abducting a 12-year-old boy. Prosecutors allege that in October 2022, he lured the child from his home in Solingen and held him for several days. The boy was found terrified in a forested area.
The trial at the Landgericht Dortmund began on Monday and is expected to last several weeks. Elias D., a 30-year-old man from North Rhine-Westphalia, faces charges of deprivation of liberty in a particularly serious case. According to the prosecution, the accused lured the 12-year-old boy from his home in Solingen on October 15, 2022, and took him to a remote forested area near Wuppertal.
The state prosecutor's office describes the events as planned and cruel. 'The child was in utmost panic when found,' said the lead prosecutor in the opening statement. The boy was discovered after three days by passersby who alerted the police. He reported that D. had promised him an adventure before holding him captive. Medical examinations revealed minor injuries and significant psychological distress for the child.
Elias D. denies the allegations and claims it was a misunderstanding. His lawyer argued: 'My client only wanted to help the boy and had no malicious intent.' The defense plans to present witness testimonies from the accused's friends to attest to his character.
The case has caused a stir in the region, heightening fears of child abductions. Police launched an immediate search after the boy's disappearance, supported by public tips. Experts emphasize the importance of awareness campaigns for parents and children on dangers from the internet and neighborhood interactions, as the contact may have started online.
Further court days will include hearing the victim's testimony and expert reports on psychological consequences. The court has imposed strict media rules to protect the boy.