Homicide Probe Launched After Woman's Body Found in Duisburg Woods

A grim discovery in Duisburg sparks a murder inquiry. Could this case finally solve a 28-year-old mystery of a missing woman?

, and Administrator

2026 March 13 . 9:03 AM

1 min read

The image shows a black and white illustration of a group of people in the woods, with trees in the... — The image shows a black and white illustration of a group of people in the woods, with trees in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text which reads "Victorian illustration of the murder of a woman".

Homicide Probe Launched After Woman's Body Found in Duisburg Woods

A woman's body was discovered in a wooded area of Duisburg on Tuesday afternoon. Police found the remains near Beecker Straße and Mühlenkampstraße in the Beeck district. Authorities have now launched a homicide investigation into the death.

The body was reported to police on February 24, prompting an immediate response. Early findings indicate the woman died from violent injuries. The Duisburg District Court has since ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

A special homicide task force is now leading the case, working under the Duisburg Public Prosecutor's Office. Investigators are also exploring a possible link to an unsolved disappearance from Moers. The missing person, Silke Gerlich, vanished on November 7, 1996, and authorities are checking whether the body could be connected to her case. Police have asked anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area since January 23 to come forward. Witnesses can contact Duisburg's criminal police at 0203 2800.

The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic teams examining the scene and evidence. Authorities will continue to assess any potential ties to the 1996 disappearance. Further updates are expected as the autopsy and police inquiries progress.