Investigators reopen 39-year-old cold case murder of five-year-old girl - Cold Case: 1986 Murder of Zeynep I. in Neuenrade Reopened
After nearly four decades, the cold case of five-year-old Zeynep I.'s murder in Neuenrade, Märkisch district, in 1986 is being actively reinvestigated. Despite modern forensic methods used in 2021 and ongoing efforts in 2025, the perpetrator remains unidentified. The police and public prosecutor's office rate the chances of solving the case as very high and are seeking new clues from the public.
Zeynep was tragically found near her parents' home with stab wounds to the neck. The police currently assume a sexually motivated crime. To encourage new information, a reward of 5,000 euros is being offered for news leading to the perpetrator. The case will be presented on ZDF's 'Aktenzeichen XY...ungelöst' at the end of November, giving the public a chance to provide fresh insights.
The murder of young Zeynep is considered one of the most mysterious criminal cases in the Märkisch district. Modern forensic methods are being employed to examine old traces and evidence, hoping to finally bring justice to the victim and her family.
The police and public prosecutor's office are determined to solve the 1986 murder of Zeynep I. in Neuenrade. With the case set to be featured on 'Aktenzeichen XY...ungelöst' and a reward offered, they urge the public to come forward with any new clues that could help identify the perpetrator and bring closure to this long-standing mystery.
