German Authorities Launch Homicide Probe Into Death of 21-year Old African Migrant

German authorities have launched a homicide probe into the death of a 21-year-old African migrant identified as Lorenz A., who was killed by police gunshots. Lorenz, who wanted to be a carpenter, was shot four times by a 27-year-old police officer during an operation on the night of Easter Sunday.

Unfortunate Incident

The unfortunate incident occurred after Police were called to a disco in Oldenburg city center early Sunday morning between 2 and 3 a.m. after Lorenz A. was said to have been denied entry into the disco by security operatives.

In agitation, the 21-year-old Lorenz allegedly sprayed tear gas in the direction of security personnel, fled, and threatened those who gave chase. He was also said to have approached the police officers in a threatening manner with a knife, which made the young officer shoot at him.

Autopsy Results Revelation

On Tuesday evening, the Oldenburg public prosecutor’s office released the results of the autopsy which showed Lorenz A. was shot at least four times, resulting in injuries to his hip, upper body, thigh, and head. Three shots struck him from behind.

The fact he was in possession of a knife has also not been proven;  a spokeswoman for the public prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday: “We assume that no knife was used in this specific situation.”

The public prosecutor’s office is therefore investigating manslaughter, and the shooter has been suspended from duty for the time being. 

Cases of Structural Racism Continue

Relatives, friends, and supporters of the deceased have formed an initiative. Under the motto “Justice for Lorenz,” they are collecting donations for the funeral and possible legal fees.

In an online appeal, the activists speak of murder and accuse the police of structural racism. “These are not isolated cases—quite the opposite.” They point to the death of a refugee from Gambia who was shot dead by police in Nienburg in 2024 for allegedly threatening his girlfriend with a knife. 

 

 

 

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