Police Release Images of Suspect in Raunheim Double Murder Investigation
Authorities in Hessen are calling on the public for urgent help in identifying a suspect linked to a double murder in Raunheim. The Darmstadt Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Hessian State Criminal Police Office (HLKA) have released photographs and video footage of a man suspected of killing two people in a local bistro on March 17.
The investigation has intensified as police now believe the perpetrator spent significant time within the Raunheim city limits prior to the attack. According to the HLKA, the suspect was observed using a “fatbike”—a bicycle characterized by distinctively wide tires—to move through the area before the crime took place.
The Crime: March 17 Attack
The violence unfolded at approximately 3:45 AM on March 17 in a bistro located on Frankfurter Straße. Evidence suggests an armed assailant entered the establishment and opened fire, killing two individuals: a 34-year-old guest and the 62-year-old owner of the bistro. The shooter fled the scene immediately following the killings.
Even as the motive for the attack remains unclear, investigators have established a profile of the suspect based on surveillance and witness reports. The man is described as having a corpulent build and was seen wearing a yellow warning vest. Following the shooting, he is believed to have escaped on foot.
Public Warning and Reward
The LKA has issued a stern warning to the public: the suspect may be armed. Law enforcement officials urge anyone who recognizes the man in the released imagery not to approach him under any circumstances.
Emergency Protocol: If you spot the suspect, call the emergency number 110 immediately. For non-emergency tips, the police have established a dedicated hotline at 06151/969 53111.
To incentivize information that leads to the suspect’s capture, the Darmstadt Public Prosecutor’s Office has offered a reward of 5,000 euros.
Expanding the Search: Additional Witnesses and a Dark Vehicle
The scope of the investigation has broadened following the analysis of surveillance footage. Police are now seeking five additional witnesses who may have seen the suspect or observed unusual activity on the night of the crime. These include:
- Two young men: Observed on a nearby parking lot around 3:19 AM.
- Two men (aged 25-40): Seen shortly before the shooting at the “Raunheimer Kiosk” on Mainstraße.
- One man (aged 25-40): Spotted standing in Mathildenstraße near house number 10 around 0:38 AM.
investigators are looking for information regarding a dark-colored vehicle that may be relevant to the case.
For those tracking the latest developments, official updates are being provided by the Hessen State Police and the Tagesschau regional reports.
Key Case Details
| Incident Date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | Bistro, Frankfurter Straße, Raunheim |
| Suspect Clothing | Yellow warning vest |
| Suspect Transport | Fatbike (pre-crime), Foot (post-crime) |
| Reward Offered | 5,000 Euros |
The investigation remains active as the HLKA and the Darmstadt Public Prosecutor’s Office continue to process digital evidence and witness statements. The next critical step is the identification of the suspect through the newly released visual materials.
Do you have information that could help? Please contact the authorities immediately via 110 or the provided tip line. Share this report to help spread the alert across the region.
