The police express their suspicions about how Fabian could have died

Güstrow (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) – The news has shocked more than just the people of northern Germany: after days of searching, the police have discovered the body of a child in the forest.

There is a "very high probability" that it is the missing eight-year-old Fabian from Güstrow. A forensic medical examination will now provide final certainty.

The boy had been missing since Friday evening. His mother had reported him missing after he had not come home as agreed. A large-scale search operation began immediately, involving the police and fire department as well as numerous volunteers. The area around Güstrow was meticulously combed for days, including forests, industrial plants and empty buildings.

Investigators have now confirmed that the discovery site is in the woods near the town. As things stand, the police and public prosecutor's office are assuming that a crime has been committed. "Based on the current state of the investigation, it can be assumed that another person is responsible," the authorities said on Monday.

At the weekend, sniffer dogs had tracked Fabian's scent – first to the bus station in Güstrow and later to a bus stop near his father's home in Zehna. There, the dogs lost the trail in the adjacent forest. On Monday evening, several cadaver sniffer dogs responded independently to the Inselsee, but divers were unable to find anything there.

On Tuesday morning, the tragic discovery was made: a citizen had given a tip-off that finally led the police to the body. Investigators are now examining all traces in order to reconstruct the exact course of events. Details of the cause of death have not yet been released.

Fabian's disappearance caused deep shock in the region. Many residents took part in the search, put up posters and spread appeals on social media. The hope of finding the boy alive was high until the very end – so the shock at the terrible end is now all the greater.

The small town is stunned. Many are wondering how it could have come to this. On Monday, around 200 emergency services were still searching the area around Güstrow. Neighbors, friends and teachers of the boy were questioned to find possible clues.

The police are still asking for help from the public. Anyone who observed anything suspicious in the days before Fabian disappeared should come forward. It is still unclear who did something to the eight-year-old – and why.

The investigation is in full swing. The family and the whole community are left with a feeling of deep sadness and horror.

We reported on the case:

The search for missing eight-year-old Fabian from Güstrow continues – and the despair grows with each passing day. There has been no trace of the boy since Friday evening. While police and rescue workers continue to search for clues at the Inselsee, new details about the child's life are now becoming known.

According to information from NDR, Fabian is said to have had problems at school. Investigators are looking into whether these difficulties could be linked to his disappearance.

Divers are to search the shore area of the lake again in the coming days. Sniffer dogs and drones have also been used, so far without success. The police emphasize that all possibilities are being considered. A spokesperson told NDR that "neither an accident nor a deliberate escape can be ruled out".

While the emergency services search the lake for traces, there is bewilderment and grief in Güstrow. Many citizens took part in searches, lit candles and shared Fabian's photo on social media. Emotional comments from people who feel for the family pile up under the police and media posts.

One woman writes:

"Please don't. 😔 This is so terrible. I'm a mother myself and the thought alone of having to search for my child for so long. I hope the little angel still arrives home."

Other users expressed similar concerns and prayers. One person wrote: "Dear God, please don't let it be Fabian. 🙏😢" Another added: "I hope so much that he is found alive and not in the water. 🙏🙏🙏"

These words show the deep concern of many people who are following the search. Compassion and hope prevail in the comment columns – the whole region is mourning with the family. Fabian's parents are under enormous emotional pressure. His father in particular, who spoke to RTL.de in an interview, is struggling with despair. The despair is written all over his face.

"I can't rest at all, I feel helpless, abandoned," he says quietly. "I don't even go to bed at night anymore, I stay on the couch, hoping that my son will come through the door any second."

He describes how his everyday life has completely changed since Fabian's disappearance. The family has no sleep, no rest, just fear and uncertainty. "I just want him to come through the door again," the father continues.

According to NDR, the police are now concentrating more on the area around the Inselsee. Fabian was reportedly last seen there on Friday evening. Divers, drone pilots and a helicopter are supporting the investigation. The area in the direction of the city forest is also being searched again.

According to information from investigators, officials are currently looking into indications that the boy was feeling unwell in the days before his disappearance. "He is said to have had problems at school", according to police sources. It is not yet known exactly what these problems were. A possible connection between these problems and his disappearance is being investigated.

The police are still asking the public for help. Every tip, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial. Witnesses who made conspicuous observations on Friday evening between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the area of the Inselsee or on the railroad embankment are particularly wanted.

Meanwhile, there is quiet hope in Güstrow. Candles and cuddly toys have been placed in front of the town hall. Passers-by stop, fold their hands, some cry. Many parents in the town feel deeply saddened – they know what it means to lose a child or to know that they have been missing for just a few hours.

The police have announced that they will continue the search in the coming days. Divers are to search the water again while emergency services check the surrounding area. The whole of Güstrow is still hoping for a miracle.

As previously reported, there has been no trace of eight-year-old Fabian from Güstrow since Friday. The boy had left his mother's house with permission – but he never came back. Since then, a major operation has been underway that has moved people throughout Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The boy's mother released a moving video (below).

More than 100 emergency services are involved: Police, fire department, dog squads and even students from the University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration, Police and Administration of Justice are supporting the search. Helicopters and drones are flying over the area around Güstrow, while sniffer dogs are searching wooded areas and bodies of water. A particularly intensive search is being carried out near Zehna – a dog had picked up a scent there, but it got lost in the forest.

Fabian is about 1.44 meters tall, has blond hair and blue eyes. When he disappeared, he was probably wearing sweatpants, a sweater and dark sneakers with a light blue back. The police are urging people not to start private searches in the forest so as not to destroy any possible traces.

A race against time

The nights are chilly, with temperatures recently dropping to seven degrees. If Fabian is actually outside, that would be a serious burden for a child of his age. Nevertheless, the police emphasize that they are still hoping for a happy ending. "The hope is there," said a spokesperson. Similar cases have shown that you should never give up the search too early. There are no indications of foul play so far – but they don't want to rule anything out. "That would be negligent."

Because Fabian left his cell phone at home, the investigators were unable to locate the device. The mobile phone provider was also unable to provide any helpful information. The criminal investigation department is currently questioning teachers, friends and neighbors to find possible clues.

Waters, forests, empty houses

The search measures were extended again on Monday morning. Boats are searching surrounding lakes and rivers, while additional dog teams and task forces have been deployed to Güstrow. Empty buildings are also being checked. "We are turning over every stone," explained a police spokeswoman.

So far there are no leads. Particularly tragic: sniffer dogs first led the investigators to the bus station in Güstrow, then to a bus stop near Zehna - but the trail was lost there. The scenario that Fabian could have lost his way caused the helpers great concern.

A mother in fear

While emergency services searched tirelessly, Fabian's mother addressed the public with moving words. In a short video, she asks her son to come home. Her appeal touched many people, who took to social media to offer their support.

The police have now set up a hotline. Anyone who knows anything can call 0800 5977268. Every tip could be crucial.

There is still hope – and Güstrow will continue to search as long as it exists. Because somewhere out there, many believe, Fabian is waiting to be found.