Dutch man found strangled in German hotel room, manhunt underway
A 35-year-old man from Enschede was found dead in a Rees hotel on Sunday, with an autopsy revealing strangulation. German police are searching for a male companion who fled the scene.
Discovery at the hotel
A 35-year-old man from Enschede, the Netherlands, was found dead in a hotel room in Rees, North Rhine-Westphalia, on Sunday afternoon, 26 July. The man had checked into the hotel on Saturday. When he did not appear at the reception desk to check out on time the following day, hotel staff entered the room and discovered him lifeless.
The Kleve police unit confirmed to RTV Oost that the victim was from Enschede. Rees sits just across the Dutch border, roughly a 15-minute drive from the Achterhoek region.
Autopsy and homicide investigation
An autopsy cited by Rheinische Post indicates the man was strangled. The Krefeld police, Kleve police, and the Kleve public prosecutor's office have launched a joint investigation. A homicide squad has been assembled.
Due to the circumstances in which the 35-year-old was found, a violent crime is to be assumed.
Authorities stated the background of the crime remains open and is part of the ongoing investigation.
Suspect at large
According to Rheinische Post, investigators have identified a suspect. The individual is a man who arrived at the hotel together with the 35-year-old Dutch national on Saturday, after which the two went to the hotel room. The suspect remains at large.
It is not known whether he is also from the Netherlands. The hotel reportedly did not record any personal details for the man.
Timeline of events
Saturday, 25 July: The victim and another man arrive at the hotel together and check in. The two proceed to a hotel room.
Sunday, 26 July, midday: The victim fails to check out on time. Hotel staff enter the room and find him dead.
Monday, 27 July: Police announce the launch of a homicide investigation. An autopsy confirms strangulation. Authorities confirm a suspect has been identified and is being sought.
- Victim and another man check into the hotel together and go to the room.
- Victim fails to check out; hotel staff enter the room and find him dead.
- Police announce homicide investigation; autopsy confirms strangulation; suspect identified and at large.
Next steps
The homicide squad in North Rhine-Westphalia continues its investigation. Police have not released further details about the victim or the suspect, citing the ongoing nature of the case. No arrest has been reported as of Monday evening.
