Fatal shots in a retirement home in Hann. Münden: Police suspect extended suicide

According to police, a man is said to be in a retirement home in Hann. Münden in southern Lower Saxony near Göttingen shot his brother and then himself. The men were 66 and 70 years old, police said. According to initial investigations, the crime had an “internal family” background, said a police spokeswoman.

It may be an “extended suicide”. This means when a person wants to kill themselves, but first takes the lives of others. There was no information yet on a motive.

According to initial investigations, the 66-year-old visited his brother in the nursing facility that morning. Then there was a shot fired. The 70-year-old was fatally injured. The 66-year-old is then said to have inflicted a fatal gunshot wound on himself. The crime occurred outside the care facility.

No information on other people involved

The police spokeswoman said no employees at the facility were affected. The police have not yet had any indication that other people were involved. There is no perpetrator on the run. “There is no danger to bystanders.” According to further information, a firearm was found at the scene and seized.

The police and emergency services were initially alerted in the morning to two serious injuries in the senior citizens' facility on the edge of the old town. A rescue helicopter was also in use, as a dpa photographer reported on site. Emergency chaplains were on duty to look after family members and residents of the care facility.

The city of Hann. Münden in the south of Lower Saxony has around 24,000 inhabitants.