Tragic Incident in Klettbach: Police Officer Takes Family's Lives Before Ending His Own

A small community in the Weimar region of Thuringia is reeling from a horrific incident that has left four people dead. Authorities have discovered the bodies of a 49-year-old police officer, his wife, and their two children in their residence, all reportedly victims of gunshot wounds.

The tragic event unfolded in Klettbach, located near Erfurt, where police were called to the scene early Friday morning. According to reports from the Erfurt public prosecutor's office and the Thuringian state police, the officer is believed to have taken the lives of his family before ultimately taking his own. Initial reports indicated that the police were alerted shortly after 6:30 AM, leading to the grim discovery about twenty minutes later.

The police have confirmed that all four deceased individuals were found within the house and on the property, each exhibiting signs of gunfire. The investigation is ongoing, with the local criminal police and the state criminal investigation office examining the case. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the officer's service weapon was used in the incident.

As the investigation continues, the local police department is providing support to colleagues affected by the tragedy, particularly those who were first responders to the scene. The police spokesperson mentioned that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and officials are awaiting further information following autopsies and detailed examinations.

The mayor of Klettbach expressed her shock and disbelief at the incident, noting the close-knit nature of the community, which has a population of around 1,300 residents. The children were well-known and engaged in various local activities, making their loss all the more poignant. In light of the tragedy, the mayor has offered psychological support services to those in the community who may need assistance coping with the aftermath.

Emergency responders were initially dispatched to the house to facilitate entry for the police, highlighting the urgency of the situation. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the implications of such a devastating event.