In a chilling case that has gripped Germany, police are urgently seeking Alexander Meisner, a 61-year-old man suspected of the brutal murder of a family in Weitefeld, Rheinland-Pfalz. The crime, which occurred in the early hours of April 6, 2025, left the small community reeling and has sparked a massive manhunt that is now being amplified through the national television program "Aktenzeichen XY ... ungelöst." This high-profile appeal for information is set to air on April 16, 2025, at 20:15 on ZDF.
According to reports, the tragedy unfolded around 3:45 AM when Nadine S. (44) made a desperate call to the police, during which screams could be heard in the background. When officers arrived at the family's home, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Nadine, her husband Kai S. (47), and their 16-year-old son Kilian. All three had suffered fatal injuries from gunshots and stab wounds. Tragically, Nadine was able to call for help before succumbing to her injuries, but the family was found too late.
As authorities arrived at the scene, Meisner allegedly fled through a window, disappearing into the night. Since then, he has been on the run, and the police have launched an intensive search operation. A special commission comprising 100 officers has been established to track him down, and they have received nearly 930 tips from the public. Despite these efforts, Meisner remains at large.
"We are prioritizing all incoming tips and are committed to following every lead thoroughly," said police spokesperson Oliver Jutz. The investigation has been complicated by Meisner's previous criminal history, which includes a conviction for attempted manslaughter in 2011, for which he served nearly five years in prison. In 2018, he received a suspended sentence for threatening his then-wife, who reportedly left him out of fear for her safety.
Meisner is described as being 1.74 meters tall and weighing 74 kilograms, with brown hair and blue-gray eyes. He has several noticeable scars on his body, including on his right upper arm, left forearm, and eyebrow, as well as a tattoo reading "Katja" in Russian on his left hand. Given his dangerous nature, police have urged the public not to approach him but to report any sightings immediately.
On the evening of April 16, the case will be featured on "Aktenzeichen XY," hosted by Rudi Cerne, who emphasized the importance of viewer participation in solving such cases. "If anyone has information about Alexander Meisner's whereabouts, we urge you to contact the police, even anonymously," Cerne stated. The program aims to leverage its wide reach to elicit new leads that could help authorities capture the suspect.
The brutal nature of the crime has left the Weitefeld community in shock. Residents are grappling with the reality that such violence could occur in their small town, which has a population of just 2,300. The police have been working tirelessly to reassure the public and gather more information about the suspect's possible motives and relationship with the victims.
As the investigation continues, the police remain tight-lipped about the specifics of the forensic evidence that led to Meisner being named as a suspect. However, they have indicated that the evidence collected at the crime scene has been pivotal in establishing a strong case against him.
With the airing of the case on "Aktenzeichen XY," there is hope that the public will provide crucial information that could lead to Meisner's capture. The police have expressed their gratitude for the tips received so far but are eager for more, as every piece of information could be vital.
As of now, Meisner's whereabouts are unknown, and the search continues. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen him or knows anything about his location to come forward. The police have reassured the public that every tip will be taken seriously and followed up on immediately.
The tragic events of April 6 have not only devastated the family and friends of the victims but have also left a lasting impact on the community of Weitefeld. The hope is that with the help of the public and the exposure from the television program, justice can be served, and the community can begin to heal from this horrific incident.