German Police say newly elected Herdecke Mayor Iris Stalzer was tortured and stabbed by her adopted daughter in a shocking case that gripped Germany.
The newly elected mayor of a small German town was allegedly tortured and stabbed by her teenage daughter in an attack that has shocked the nation, Police said on Wednesday October 8, 2025.
Iris Stalzer, 57, who was elected Mayor of Herdecke in western Germany on September 28, 2025, was found with multiple stab wounds at her home on Tuesday October 7, 2025. She is expected to assume office on November 1, 2025.
Authorities said emergency services were first alerted by her 17-year-old adopted daughter, who reported an attempted robbery. But investigators soon determined that the violence had taken place inside the house and not outside, as initially claimed.
Stalzer was found seated in a chair with serious injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital. Police later confirmed that she is no longer in critical condition.
During questioning, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) politician identified her daughter as the attacker, according to Police investigator Jens Rautenberg.
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German newspaper Bild later reported that Stalzer told Police she was held captive and tortured in the basement for hours before being stabbed. Citing law enforcement sources, the paper said two knives were used in the attack, and attempts were made to clean up blood stains before the emergency call.
Forensic teams discovered traces of blood that had been partially removed, officials said. Both the teenage daughter and Stalzer’s 15-year-old son were taken into custody. The daughter has since been placed under the care of the youth welfare office, according to Die Zeit.
Prosecutor Bernd Haldorn said the case is currently being treated as one of “bodily harm,” though investigations are ongoing.
The attack drew swift condemnation from German leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who expressed concern over the violence against local officials. “We have received news of a terrible deed in Herdecke,” Merz wrote on social media. “It must be swiftly investigated. We hope for the Mayor’s full recovery.”
Police confirmed there is no indication of a political motive.
Herdecke, a town of about 23,000 residents near Dortmund, saw a large police presence after the incident. Helicopters and forensic teams surrounded the area as investigators worked to piece together what led to the shocking domestic assault.
