Skeleton find in the Harz: Identity of the dead according to DNA test clarified!

Skeleton find in the Harz: Identity of the dead according to DNA test clarified!

In May 2024, hikers made a shocking find in a remote forest near Clausthal-Zellerfeld: a skeletonized human skull. This horrific discovery was followed by the police for days, which combined the rough terrain in the Oberharz for security reasons. But despite all the efforts, it was not possible to find more human remains.

The development on June 12, 2025 was significantly more revealing, when the Goslar police inspection was finally able to put light on the dark. The identity of the victim could be clarified by a DNA comparison, which was carried out at the renowned medical university of Hanover. The dead man turned out to be missing as a 65-year-old man from Wildemann, who was reported missing in spring 2023. This find was surprising for the investigators: despite intensive research, there were no traces at first.

Investigations completed

The police said that the investigation on this tragic case has now been completed and the skull is released for the burial. This development has brought the investigators in their work, but also raises many unanswered questions, such as the fate of the man and the circumstances of his death. The background remains uncertain, while the information collected about the case promoted a variety of speculations and have shaken up the community.

In another, but equally worrying case, 51-year-old Karsten Manczak from Groß Döhren has been reported as missing since April 13. The authority struggled to investigate this case and finally turned to the public to collect clues. The police no longer consider the case as a pure missing person, but rather than a violent crime.

Notes wanted

The evidence of evidence at the Manczak's home address indicates an activity in the garden area, which stirs up the suspicion of a violent incident. His vehicle, a blue VW Caddy, was found three days after his disappearance on a exhibition center in Hanover. Plain there, the car is properly and closed, which also complicates the investigation.

The police are urgently looking for witnesses and information that can contribute to the clarification of Manczak's remaining. Among other things, there are indications of who saw the VW Caddy from 05:15 a.m. on April 13th to April 16. Information on the parking situation of the vehicle can also be extremely helpful.

If you can provide relevant information about Karsten Manczak or his vehicle, please contact the Goslar police inspection on 05321/3390.

The importance of the DNA analyzes in such investigations should not be underestimated. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office , a variety of criminal offenses can be informed, which the trust in the information work Police strengthen. The company must therefore not stop helping with the investigation of such crimes.

The ongoing developments in the case of the skeletonized skull and in the missing person in Karsten Manczak show how important joint efforts and mutual support are in the entire community. Stay up to date and support the investigators' educational work.