Police Search for Escaped Convict Maximilian M., 24, in Bochum

Bochum - Authorities are currently seeking Maximilian M., a 24-year-old male who failed to return to a psychiatric facility in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, after a weekend leave. This individual is known for committing a gruesome act of violence in 2020, during which he murdered a senior citizen in Siegen-Hilchenbach with an appalling 70 stab wounds.

On August 24, 2020, the then 20-year-old entered a bank seeking to cash a transfer slip, which was intended for the purchase of two e-bikes valued at EUR10,000. The bank employee became suspicious due to the signature on the document and alerted the police.

Upon investigating, law enforcement officers went to the address of the account holder and discovered a horrific crime scene, including the body of a 74-year-old man and substantial amounts of blood. Evidence revealed that the suspect inflicted severe injuries to the victim's eyes, using tools such as a screwdriver and garden shears. The prosecution described the attack as driven not only by financial gain but also by a long-standing desire to kill.

During the trial, the presiding attorney, Fabian Glöckner, outlined the depth of depravity displayed by Maximilian M., ultimately leading to a verdict of insanity due to paranoid schizophrenia. Consequently, he was committed to a secure psychiatric facility indefinitely.

Law enforcement officials have provided a description of Maximilian M.: he is approximately 1.82 meters tall, of substantial build, with brown hair and dark eyes. Authorities have expressed concerns that he may be involved with local drug, alcohol, or homeless communities and may have connections abroad.

Despite his past actions, medical professionals have assessed that he does not currently pose a significant threat to the public. Frank Tafertshofer, a spokesperson for the psychiatric facility, indicated that Maximilian M. was considered to be at a moderate level of supervision and deemed capable of communication without posing a risk to others.

Maximilian M. failed to return to the facility on March 3, prompting the clinic to report his absence. It was only after several days that the police reached out to the public for assistance, sharing photographs of the fugitive. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the police emergency number at 110.