Konstanze K., a woman from Neuss, Germany, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Patrick after a history of a toxic relationship, stalking, and violence. After breaking up in October 2018, Patrick repeatedly violated restraining orders and stalked Konstanze. On April 26, 2019, he confronted her armed with a revolver, shot her multiple times, and then attempted suicide by jumping in front of a train, resulting in severe injuries. Konstanze died in hospital. Patrick was later sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and violation of the protection against violence law.
Country: Germany
State/Province: None
City/Region: Neuss
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Ex-partners
Relationship Duration: Approximately 1 year (dating and cohabitation)
Incident Date: April 26, 2019
Primary reported outcome: Homicide
Reported self-harm outcome: Attempted suicide; medical outcome reported
Person(s) reported to have died by or attempted suicide: Patrick
Reported role: Alleged suspect / offender
Reported sequence: Homicide or serious injury, then suicide or attempt
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Approximately 1 year (dating and cohabitation)
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2019-04-26
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Lucia Leona · Original language: English
Getrennt, gestalked, ermordet. | Der Fall Constanze K.
Domestic Violence
The case follows a pattern of domestic violence involving a toxic relationship with controlling and stalking behavior by the ex-partner after separation. Despite restraining orders and legal interventions, the offender escalated to lethal violence, demonstrating a pattern of coercive control and revenge.
Police investigations revealed multiple restraining orders against Patrick, including for stalking and attacks. Patrick was convicted in 2017 for prior offenses. After the fatal shooting, Patrick attempted suicide and was later sentenced to life imprisonment. The case raised questions about police risk assessment and preventive measures.
Patrick denied guilt during trial, claiming unknown third parties were responsible. Police initially did not consider prior convictions in risk assessment. There was no confusion about suspect identity but some dispute over the adequacy of protective measures.
Konstanze and Patrick met via Tinder in June 2017 and lived together for about six months. The relationship became toxic with controlling and violent behavior by Patrick. Konstanze broke up in October 2018. Patrick stalked and harassed her repeatedly, violating restraining orders. On April 26, 2019, Patrick confronted Konstanze with a revolver, shot her multiple times, and then attempted suicide by train. Konstanze died in hospital; Patrick survived with severe injuries and was later sentenced.
High risk was retrospectively assessed using a risk assessment form, but police did not implement preventive measures such as electronic monitoring despite multiple restraining order violations.
Early signs of controlling and stalking behavior after separation are critical warning signals. Legal protective measures may be insufficient without enforcement tools like electronic monitoring. Emotional manipulation and stalking can escalate to lethal violence. Support systems and awareness are vital for victim protection.
Repeated stalking, violation of restraining orders, emotional manipulation, and threats after breakup were key early signals.
Messages from Patrick, witness accounts of stalking and attacks, police records of restraining orders, and physical evidence from the shooting connected the case.
Police investigations, witness statements, restraining orders, and forensic evidence from the shooting were strongest.
Neighbors and colleagues reported seeing Patrick stalking Konstanze and intervening during attacks. Konstanze’s mother described her injuries after a knife attack. Police officers found Patrick on train tracks after suicide attempt.
Follow-up reports clarified the extent of Patrick’s prior convictions and restraining order violations, and highlighted police risk assessment failures.
Unclear why police did not apply stricter preventive measures despite high risk; Patrick’s claims of third-party involvement were rejected.