AN eight-year-old boy’s death remains a mystery after his body was discovered at the edge of a pond by his dad’s ex-girlfriend.
Police have made no arrests three weeks after Fabian was tragically found dead in a forest near Klein Upahl, northern Germany.
The young boy, from Güstrow, south of the city of Rostock, was reported missing on October 10 when he failed to return home.
Cops launched a large-scale search operation for the eight-year-old, whose body was found four days later by his dad’s ex-girlfriend.
Officials later said it could be “assumed someone else was responsible”.
Bizarre events surrounding the boy’s disappearance have sparked wild speculation over the cause of his death as investigators believe he was the victim of homicide.
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In an interview with Nordkurier, his mum revealed she had “a bad feeling” and immediately suspected foul-play — concerns, she claims, police downplayed.
In the days that followed his disappearance, hundreds of search workers were deployed to locate the missing child.
Investigators conducted widespread interviews in the town, questioning neighbours and members of staff at Fabian’s school.
According to criminal expert Axel Petermann, statistically, child homicides are caused by someone in the family.
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He told Bild: “When children are killed, the search for clues usually begins in the child’s immediate environment.”
It was also alleged a man was spotted trying to speak to a primary school child around the time of Fabian’s disappearance.
According to Petermann, “if a stranger speaks to another child nearby, the police have to try to identify this person.”
“That’s a lead that must be followed up,” he added.
It remains unclear whether investigators have pursued the lead and their silence has aroused yet more speculation.
But according to criminology professor Christian Matzdorf, secrecy around the case is likely to protect the investigation as the situation “can change at any time”.
Officials have not confirmed who they’re probing but Petermann suggests the perpetrator must have been in a rush as the child’s body was found hidden — not buried — in the woods.
Last Thursday, a team scoured a bin for evidence of a weapon, while emergency services combed the area with shovels and metal detectors.
The Rostock public prosecutor’s investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made so far.
In a statement, officials said: “At this point, we again ask for your understanding that no details of the investigation can be released at this time.
“The sole reason for this reticence is that the ongoing investigation should not be hindered or complicated by premature media releases.”
They also urged the public to refrain from speculating about the case.
Yesterday, a memorial service was held for Fabian in Güstrow, two weeks after a staggering 700 people gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember him.
Residents have been placing candles, stuffed animals, and other items in front of the church.
Mayor Zimmermann said the incident had left the whole town in shock.
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Fabian’s mum has since requested her son’s picture be used in the press, in a bid to keep his memory alive.
She said: “he should not be forgotten and should remain in people’s minds.”