A Turkish national is in custody in Germany after allegedly stabbing to death a close friend who had treated him like family for over 20 years.
The victim, Frank S., a respected real estate agent known for his love of historic homes, was murdered in front of his house on Saturday afternoon in the city of Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia.
Bild reported how the accused, 33-year-old Ali S., had been like a son to Frank S. for much of his life. Friends and neighbors say the two shared a close bond for years, with Frank offering support, guidance, and protection to Ali as he grew up.
The relationship soured in recent years, however, as Ali reportedly struggled with drug and alcohol abuse and began exhibiting aggressive behavior in the neighborhood.
Police say that around 1:10 p.m. on Saturday, Ali S. appeared at Frank S.’s home. The victim is understood to have clearly recognized the threat immediately and sought to flee from his attacker, but the suspect caught up with him and fatally stabbed him in the street, also injuring himself in the process.
Frank S. was a familiar and respected figure in the area, and those close to him say he had looked after Ali S. for 20 years and was like a father figure to him.
However, amid recent disturbances in the area caused by Ali S., Frank S. had recently sent photos of the Turk to neighbors, asking them to alert him if he returned to the neighborhood.
“We were supposed to let him know when he shows up here,” a couple from the neighborhood told Bild.
One neighbor, currently caring for Frank S.’s mother, confirmed the growing fear the victim had toward his former friend. “He felt threatened by him,” she said. “The man has been rioting here for a long time, including demolishing the door of Frank’s mother, who also lives in the neighborhood.”
What ultimately motivated the killing remains unclear.
On Sunday afternoon, an investigating judge issued an arrest warrant against Ali S. on suspicion of murder out of malice and ordered him into custody.
The police have set up a homicide squad to lead the investigation.
The incident was the second high-profile murder by a migrant in a week in Krefeld. Remix News reported on Thursday how an Afghan had been arrested after stabbing his 41-year-old female boss during the evening cash count at the ‘New Yorker’ clothing store in the North Rhine-Westphalia city.
“The woman was seriously injured with a knife, so that she succumbed to her injuries at the scene,” the Krefeld police stated.
Shortly after the stabbing, the suspect allegedly fled the scene with the day’s takings. However, his escape was short-lived. As he exited the store on Hochstraße, he ran directly into a group of officers and was immediately arrested.