A man in Germany was allegedly murdered by his temporary roommate after moving into a shared home following a breakup.
The 44-year-old victim had reportedly moved in with the 35-year-old defendant while waiting for his own property to become available. According to reports, the landlord made a room available in a shared home where the defendant was already living.
German outlet Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung reports that prosecutors say the two men clashed almost immediately after the victim moved in.
The victim reportedly called emergency services to report the defendant’s aggressive behaviour, but contacted the fire department and ambulance service rather than police.
Prosecutors allege anti-gay hostility
The next day, prosecutors allege the defendant confronted the victim while carrying a folding knife and focused on the fact that he was gay.
He reportedly quoted Bible verses at the victim, including a passage from the Book of Moses stating that men must not “lie with a male as with a woman”.
The defendant also allegedly tried to ban the victim from using the shared bathroom.
Police issued a warning, and the two men agreed to avoid each other as much as possible. However, reports say the defendant was not searched at the time, despite the alleged mention of a knife.
Just over an hour later, the victim’s ex reportedly arrived and called police again.
The defendant allegedly threatened both men and told them they should face the wall when a “real man” walked past because they were gay.
He also allegedly said he would “cleanse” the men and drink their blood.
Police reportedly gave the defendant another warning.
Victim allegedly forced to kneel before fatal stabbing
On 9 November, the victim returned to the apartment.
Prosecutors allege the defendant forced him to kneel at knifepoint and apologise, though it is unclear what he was allegedly being made to apologise for.
The defendant reportedly filmed the incident on his phone before later deleting the footage. It is not clear whether the video has been recovered.
Prosecutors allege the victim apologised, after which the defendant stabbed him in the heart.
The defendant reportedly called police and paramedics himself, claiming he had acted in self-defence and alleging that the victim had attacked him first.
Emergency services found the victim alive but unresponsive. He died shortly afterwards from his injuries.
The case has prompted renewed concern about anti-LGBTQ+ violence and the deadly consequences of homophobic hostility, particularly when earlier warning signs are not met with stronger intervention.
