Iris Stalzer, the Social Democrat (SPD) mayor of Herdecke, Germany, was reportedly tortured for hours by her 17-year-old adopted daughter, who has not been arrested despite the severity of the crime. The attack occurred on October 7, 2025, in Stalzer’s home in Herdecke. Emergency services were initially called by the daughter, who falsely claimed her mother had been assaulted by “several men.” Police later determined this account was fabricated to conceal the true nature of the incident. Investigators believe Stalzer was tortured in her home’s basement, subjected to burns from deodorant spray ignited with a lighter and stabbed 13 times. A knife used in the attack was found in the brother’s backpack, along with bloody clothing, while another was discovered in his bedroom. Blood scrubbing at the crime scene further indicated deliberate concealment.
Despite evidence of a prolonged assault, prosecutors have not filed charges against the daughter or her 15-year-old brother, who is also implicated. The decision to avoid prosecution was reportedly influenced by the daughter’s later call to emergency services, which authorities interpreted as indicating no intent to kill. Both siblings were placed in the care of the Youth Welfare Office instead of facing detention. The prosecutor noted the children’s father, previously considered a guardian, had also been a victim of violence by the daughter.
The case has sparked public outrage over perceived double standards in Germany’s justice system. Austrian anti-mass migration activist Martin Sellner criticized the lack of action, stating, “Germans are being imprisoned for memes, while the daughter in this case will never appear before a court for her alleged heinous crimes.” Concerns about selective prosecution have grown, with recent cases highlighting penalties for social media posts and political expression.
