Investigators assume toddler in Preetz drowned in garden pool

Police spokesperson Michael bimler explained to the media that reviewing the supervision duties was part of the standard procedure. „Das sei aber der normale Verfahrensablauf, so die Ermittler“, said bimler with regard to the ongoing investigation. The aim is to clarify how the child was able to enter the garden pool unnoticed and what circumstances led to the tragedy.

Role of the investigating authorities

The investigation is ongoing. According to police, it is being examined whether the supervision duties were fulfilled at the time of the incident and whether criminal consequences may need to be drawn. The exact cause of death is also to be conclusively determined through a forensic medical examination.

In the first hours after the discovery of the child, rescue services and police had searched the house, the garden, and adjacent areas. According to the officers, the pool was not examined in depth during this search, which made the later correction of the police statements necessary. The correction was made after the girl was discovered lifeless in the water of the pool.

Reactions and next steps

In the small community in the Plön district, the incident caused dismay. Residents reported that the grounds of the family home were among the typical residential properties in the town and could not easily be seen from the street. The exact circumstances under which the child was last seen in the house and garden are the subject of ongoing interviews.

The public prosecutor's office in Kiel was brought in after the discovery of the lifeless child. In such cases, it is common for both the criminal police and the public prosecutor's office to jointly examine whether fault on the part of third parties exists. This includes in particular the question of whether the supervising persons fulfilled their responsibility at the moment when the child made its way outside unnoticed.

In addition to clarifying the specific sequence of events, investigators are also looking into what structural or safety-related precautions existed at the pool. In many federal states, regulations apply requiring private swimming pools to be secured against unauthorized access. Whether and in what form such regulations were complied with at the property in question has not been made public so far.

The identity of the child has not been fully released by the authorities. Media reports, citing police, speak of a toddler and in some cases use the name "Bella" or "Bella S." An official confirmation of this name by the investigating authorities is pending. The parents of the girl have also not publicly commented so far.

Possible legal consequences

The authorities are asking people to avoid speculation and not to share unauthorized recordings from the neighborhood. The investigators say they are focusing on reconstructing the exact sequence of events on the day of the incident and on the question of how the child was able to enter the pool. Initial conclusive results are expected in the coming days.

The case is being handled by the responsible offices in Eutin and Klausdorf, both located in the Plön district, as well as by the Kiel criminal police. Police spokesperson Michael bimler had already informed about the discovery the day before, pointing to the particular sensitivity of the case, as it involves a very young child.

The question of possible consequences for the parents is also on the table. Should it be confirmed that the supervision duties were violated, criminal liability for negligent homicide by omission could come into consideration. However, a final legal assessment remains reserved until the investigation is concluded.

The tragic incident has triggered a debate in Preetz about the safety of private pools and about informing parents about potential dangers for small children. Experts have pointed out for years that even shallow garden pools can pose a significant drowning risk for toddlers and should be secured accordingly.