15 March 2023 , 18:23
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Two girls aged 12 and 13 have been accused of stabbing another 12-year-old to death in the woods.
The victim, Luise F, was one of the girl's best friend and she was involved in a heated argument that began when the she made fun of her best friend's family in Germany.
Luise had been at her best friend's house in the village of Hohenhain and failed to return to her home in the town of Freudenberg, on March 11.
Her parents tried to call her once they had noticed she hadn't arrived home, but she did not pick up her phone.
Hours later, they reported Luise's disappearance to the police which prompted a massive search.
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A marker showing the location where Luise's body was found in the town of Freudenberg (Newsflash)The 12-year-olds body was found covered in stabbed wounds in an area of woodland near a disused train station in Wildenburg, some two kilometres (1.2 miles) from her home, the next afternoon.
In her autopsy report it was revealed her cause of death as exsanguination.
At a press conference on 14th March, Senior public prosecutor Mario Mannweiler said: "The investigations carried out so far confirm the suspicion that the girl was the victim of a homicide."
When investigators questioned the victim's friends and peers, they were stunned to find clear contradictions in the two girls' version of events.
The former train station where Luise, aged 12, was found (Newsflash)Homicide Department Head Florian Locker, said: "The children then admitted to the crime. Their statements could also be supported by evidence."
The girls who are under the age of criminal responsibility, have been removed from their families and school and placed in a state facility, local media reported.
Police say the 13-year-old suspect was Luise's best friend, whose family home she had been at on the day of the crime. Investigators believe she forced the younger suspect to take part in the crime.
Prosecutor Mario Mannweiler said: "What may be a motive for a child to commit a deed may not necessarily be apparent to an adult."
Flowers and candles placed by where Luise's body was found in the town of Freudenberg, Germany (Newsflash)But, referring to the horrifying number of perforations to the victim's body, he said it was likely "some emotions played a role".
It remains unclear why the girls went to the woods.
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After killing Luise, the two girls returned to the 13-year-old's house, where the father of the 12-year-old picked her up.
Then, the 13-year-old called Luise's parents to tell her she had left for home - a three-kilometre (1.9-mile) walk away - at 5.30pm.
Mannweiler told local media: "We are now placing this case in the hands of the youth authorities."
The investigation, including the search for the murder weapon, continues.