German bestselling novelist Alexandra Fröhlich was murdered in her houseboat in Hamburg | Photo: Social Media
Police in Hamburg have launched a murder inquiry after a German bestselling novelist was found dead on a houseboat as a result of a violent attack, officials reported.
Alexandra Fröhlich, 58, was found last Tuesday morning, investigating officials reported this Sunday. The case was immediately assigned to the murder squad due to evidence that she had been attacked, the Guardian said.
Local German broadcaster NDR cited police sources who confirmed that Fröhlich had been shot to death. Police detectives are seeking potential witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity on or around the long, cerise houseboat where Fröhlich lived. The boat is docked on the Elbe River Holzhafen bank in the eastern Moorfleet district. Authorities said her son discovered the body of the author, whose novels have been prominent on Germany’s bestseller lists.
“According to current information, relatives found the 58-year-old woman lifeless on her houseboat and alerted the fire brigade, who were only able to confirm the woman’s death,” a police spokesperson told local news reporters.
Detectives investigate suspects and evidence
The spokesperson added: “After evaluating traces and evidence, the investigating authorities now believe that the woman died as a result of violence.” The press officer also said detectives were investigating potential persons of interest.
After saying investigators are determining whether the murderer may have been Fröhlich’s acquaintance, “no further information can be provided at this time because it is an ongoing investigation.” However, news reports indicated that divers at the scene were searching for a weapon in the river.
The Guardian said Fröhlich began her writing career as a journalist in Ukraine, where she founded a women’s magazine in Kyiv. She later worked as a freelance journalist in Germany for women’s and other magazines such as Stern, before becoming a novelist.
