The man responsible for the 2009 school attack in Ansbach applied for and received a passport during his authorized outings from Erlangen Psychiatric Hospital. When the clinic realized he had not returned, he was likely already in South America. Here is what else is known about his escape to Colombia.
How was he able to escape?
On August 16, the 34-year-old used an approved day release. Since the beginning of the year, he had been allowed to leave the hospital during the day as part of his therapy. Until then, he had always complied with the conditions. This time, however, he did not return, and the clinic informed the police during the night of August 17.
By then, according to Chief Public Prosecutor Friedrich Weitner in an interview with BR24, the man was already in Colombia. The clinic had granted him nearly twelve hours of release. “That means he had that time before it was first noticed he had not returned. From that moment, he was considered missing. But by then he was already abroad,” Weitner explained.
How did the escape unfold?
According to Weitner, the escape was meticulously prepared. The 34-year-old had a valid passport, luggage, and used an airport outside the European Union to travel to Colombia.
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) said the man had applied for the passport during one of his approved outings. “This raises the question of whether this should be possible for every patient on day release in the future,” Herrmann told BR24.
Did he have help?
Investigators believe so. “The escape was prepared, the route well thought out, and clearly organized, which means he must have had support,” said Weitner.
There are indications pointing to specific individuals, but prosecutors have not disclosed details for tactical reasons. Possible offenses could include aiding a prisoner’s escape or obstructing justice. The man likely also received financial support, since his means at the clinic would not have allowed such a flight.
How was he caught?
Police issued a European arrest warrant. The search was difficult, according to Weitner, because many leads had to be followed, including one initially pointing to Munich. Eventually, a tip led to Colombia. Local police arrested the man in the interior of the country after a German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) liaison officer contacted authorities.
His attorney, David Mühlberger, criticized the extradition as a “rush job.” He said his client was not brought before a judge prior to extradition and was unable to contact him, his lawyer.
What consequences will he face?
Abusing day release is not a crime. Investigators are examining whether he committed any offenses during his escape. So far, no evidence has emerged.
Back at the clinic, however, he is expected to lose all privileges. The misuse of release will be addressed with the patient, followed by a new therapy plan, a spokesperson for the district clinics of Middle Franconia confirmed.
The clinic itself said the incident had been reviewed together with authorities. “There were no complaints from the authorities about the hospital’s procedures,” the spokesperson stated.
Why is he in psychiatric detention?
In 2009, at the age of 18, he carried out a rampage at Carolinum High School in Ansbach, attacking with an axe, knives, and Molotov cocktails, injuring nine students and a teacher. In 2010, he was sentenced to nine years in juvenile detention for attempted murder in 47 cases. In addition, a juvenile court ordered his indefinite placement in a psychiatric facility. He had been undergoing treatment in Erlangen for seven years. According to the clinic, he was not considered a danger to the public.
Information: dpa.
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