One year after Giesen's murder: Where have the killers gone?

One year after Giesen's murder: Where have the killers gone?

It's been a year since Cologne sunbed king Phil Giesen, founder of the popular "California Sun" chain, was brutally murdered in his villa in the noble Hahnwald. On October 9, 2024, a company employee found the 74-year-old's body in the living room after he returned home from a tour of his studios. A terrible act that is still unsolved and has terrified the city of Cologne. As the Cologne City Gazette reports, the police remain on the lookout for crucial clues.

The events of the tragic evening seem no less dramatic than a movie. Loud calf The perpetrators entered the villa via the neighboring property and were said to have been waiting there an hour before Giesen's return. There was probably a violent attack shortly after he returned home when Giesen tried to defend himself against the intruders. This resulted in massive violence being exerted on the victim's upper body. According to initial autopsy reports, Giesen sustained serious injuries during the attack.

The search for the perpetrators

It is believed that the perpetrators wanted to break into a safe in the villa. In their plan, they presumably demanded that Giesen open the safe, which he refused. The situation escalated and ended in a robbery in which the criminals stole tens of thousands of euros. The Police and public prosecutor's office assume robbery and have offered a reward of 35,000 euros. But despite the numerous tips received during the investigation, there remains no hot lead. More than a hundred callers responded, but the tips did not lead to a breakthrough.

The escape of the perpetrators was as quick as it was precise. At 1:55 a.m. they fled the scene in a BMW after first opening the safe. Although surveillance cameras and numerous witness tips were secured, the investigation has so far led nowhere. Chief Public Prosecutor Ulrich Bremer recently said that the progress of the investigation was “not decisive”. This raises the question: where have the perpetrators gone?

A sad review

Giesen, who was known not only for his tanning salons but also for his warm manner, leaves a big gap. His girlfriend Claudia Krappel suffered a nervous breakdown after his death became known, and the pain of his loss is still palpable a year later.

Crime in Germany is showing a slight decline. According to the Police crime statistics 2024 Crimes fell by 1.7% overall. Nevertheless, violent crime, and therefore concern about such brutal attacks, remains a central issue. The clearance rate is around 58%, which emphasizes how challenging the investigators' work is. The events surrounding the murder of Phil Giesen illustrate how important it is to take every lead seriously and do justice to the victims.

Another year without answers – the hope that the investigation will make a breakthrough remains unbroken. It remains to be seen whether the police will find the crucial clues to finally solve this gruesome murder.