He had a four-year-old daughter and was due to become a father for the second time in five months – but Basti H. will never see the baby born. He was stabbed multiple times, including in the heart. The 28-year-old is dead. The German newspaper BILD has now learnt that the suspected killer is said to have boasted about the crime in WhatsApp messages and mocked his victim.
A look back at the incident: Around two weeks ago, two groups clashed in a park in Pulheim (North Rhine-Westphalia), near Cologne. First there was a brawl, then several men are said to have pulled out knives. One of them was used to stab Basti H to death.
According to the investigation so far, Nour G. (28, of Palestinian origin) is believed to be the knife attacker. He is currently in custody in prison, along with the Syrian brothers Mohamad (24) and Nishan N. (20). The older brother is alleged to have stabbed one of the victims in the buttocks, whilst the younger brother is said to have driven the getaway vehicle. All three face charges of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.
The alleged perpetrator, Nour G., is said to have made derisive comments about the crime and mocked the victim. Immediately after the attack in Pulheim, he is said to have been asked via WhatsApp how he was doing. His reply: “The sun is shining out of my arse.” And further: “The envy in the eyes of others has put them six feet under.” The victim’s lawyer, Christof Miseré, said: “To boast about such an act is brazen and despicable.”
When contacted by BILD, the law firm representing Ingmar Rosentreter – who, along with colleagues, is representing the trio of suspects – declined to comment. “We are not currently making any statements regarding the incident, but are waiting first to review the case files.” None of the accused has so far commented on the allegations to the police.
Both Nour G. and the alleged accomplices are reportedly known to the police for offences under the Narcotics Act. According to BILD’s investigations, the altercation between the two groups is said to have been over an outstanding sum of around 250 euros. However, based on the information available so far, it is not believed to have been Basti H. who owed anyone money.