Tragedy in Potsdam: Silvio S. as a possible kidnapper of Inga?

Tragedy in Potsdam: Silvio S. as a possible kidnapper of Inga?

The reporting on the conviction of the child murderer Silvio S. from Kaltenborn remains a hot topic in Germany. On July 12, 2025, Silvio S. was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was found guilty of kidnapping, abusing and killing the little boys Elias (6) in Potsdam and Mohamed (4) in Berlin. But the case continues to raise questions, especially regarding the missing Inga (5) from Saxony-Anhalt, who disappeared in May 2015 while preparing for a barbecue party with her parents. MAZ reports that Silvio S. Elias kidnapped in July 2015 and has relatives near Inga's alleged crime scene. Despite this alarming proximity, there is no demonstrable connection between Silvio S. and the Inga case.

Investigators found strange hair during house searches, but no DNA profile matching Inga's. After Elias' murder, Silvio S. sent a condolence card to the mother that contained the murderer's DNA. Nevertheless, this card did not lead to his arrest, which continues to burden those affected and the investigating authorities.

A complicated case

After ten years, the discussion about Silvio S.'s circumstances and background remains complex. An appeal process regarding the verdict in Potsdam has begun. Stern reports that a psychiatric report on Silvio S. comprises 82 pages and plays a central role in the process. It describes him as lonely, insecure and suspicious. Before his crimes, Silvio S. was inconspicuous and worked in a security company. He was an outsider in his school days and, despite his fears, wanted to be close to others.

Silvio S. painted his actions as uncontrollable, describing himself as helpless and needy. His loneliness is cited as the central motive for his actions. The report also diagnosed an avoidant-insecure personality disorder, although no particular interest in pedophile content was found. These insights will be of great importance for the Potsdam Regional Court, as the decision on Silvio S. could have far-reaching consequences.

The broad context of crime

The development of crime in Germany also offers interesting insights. Loud Statista Police crime statistics for 2024 show a decline in crimes of 1.7 percent to around 5.84 million. It is particularly worth noting that the falling numbers are partly due to fewer cannabis crimes due to partial legalization. However, there is an increase in crimes that affect people's sense of security. Crimes against life, such as murder and manslaughter, account for only a small portion of the total; they only account for 0.1 percent of cases. Sexual offenses are at 2.2 percent - so it remains a sensitive topic.

Overall, Germany is struggling not only with complex cases like that of Silvio S., but also with broader challenges in crime prevention and prosecution. Society must ask itself what measures are necessary to prevent such acts in the future and to strengthen citizens' sense of security. This is the only way to restore trust in the fight against crime and the justice system.