Suspect in German Shelter Mass Shooting Dies in Prison Cell

The suspect in a deadly mass shooting at a shelter for mothers and children in northern Germany has died in prison. Prison staff found the 45-year-old, identified by German media as Fatih Khan G., deceased in his cell on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Justice.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death but have stated that there are currently no indications of third-party involvement. Relatives of the suspect and the victims have been notified. The ministry confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

The June 29 shooting at the shelter in Stade claimed the lives of four women and two men, marking one of the most horrific crimes of its kind in recent German history. The alleged perpetrator arrived at the center that day for a meeting regarding custody arrangements for his three-month-old daughter.

According to officials, the man suddenly produced a firearm and opened fire on the child welfare workers. The local police chief described the victims' injuries as "brutal." One additional person was injured but survived the attack. The infant daughter and her 34-year-old mother, who were present during the shooting, were unharmed.

The suspect attempted to flee the scene in a car driven by a 65-year-old woman with whom police say he has a "close family connection." He was apprehended after a brief pursuit. Police fired at the fleeing vehicle, but neither the suspect nor the driver sustained injuries, a police chief reported.