Woman stabbed and set on fire at Stuttgart shopping centre; suspect arrested

The attack

Shortly after the Milaneo shopping centre opened its doors on Thursday morning, a 54-year-old man attacked a 47-year-old woman inside the mall. The centre, located at Mailänder Platz in Stuttgart's Europaviertel near the main railway station, houses around 200 shops across 43,000 square metres. The first emergency calls reached police at about 10:15 a.m.

After initial findings, he first attacked the woman with a knife and then set her on fire.

The victim, who works in a shop at the centre, suffered stab and burn injuries. She was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery. Police later confirmed she remains in life-threatening condition and is receiving intensive medical care.

Manhunt and arrest

The suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack. Stuttgart police launched a large-scale search, deploying a helicopter and multiple ground units. The shopping centre was evacuated and partially cordoned off, though authorities stressed there was no wider danger to the public.

At around 12:10 p.m., roughly two hours after the first emergency calls, officers arrested the 54-year-old German national at Bockelstraße in the Heumaden district. The arrest brought a swift end to the manhunt.

At around 12:10 p.m., our officers arrested a 54-year-old German. The man is or was in a relationship with the injured party.

Victim's condition

The 47-year-old was taken to hospital with what police described as severe injuries. She underwent surgery and was placed in intensive care. While initial reports were cautious about her chances, authorities later confirmed her condition is life-threatening. No further details about her identity or the shop where she worked have been released.

Investigation and motive

Investigators have not yet disclosed a formal charge, but early findings point to a personal relationship between the suspect and the victim. The exact nature of that relationship and the motive for the attack remain unclear. Forensic teams in protective suits entered the building to secure evidence and review CCTV footage.

According to initial investigations, the man and the woman were in a personal relationship.

The shopping centre reopened later on Thursday after police completed their on-site work. The Milaneo management has not issued a public statement.

What happens next

The suspect is expected to be brought before a judge on Friday, 24 July. The court will decide whether to place him in pre-trial detention. Prosecutors have not yet specified the charges they intend to pursue. The investigation into the background and exact sequence of events continues.