Berlin Police Launch New Search for Missing Rebecca Reusch in 2019 Cold Case

German authorities have initiated a major new search in the long-running case of Rebecca Reusch. The 15-year-old girl vanished without a trace from Berlin in February 2019. This latest operation focuses on a rural property owned by the grandparents of her brother-in-law.

The search underscores the police’s continued commitment to solving the mysterious disappearance. According to Reuters, investigators suspect Rebecca’s body may be buried on the premises. The case has gripped the nation for over five years.

Massive Police Operation Deploys Advanced Technology

A force of 115 officers from the Berlin police and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) descended on the property in Tauche. The location is approximately eight kilometers west of Beeskow. The operation utilized sophisticated tools to scour the grounds.

Teams deployed ground-penetrating radar and drones for aerial surveys. They were also aided by specially trained cadaver dogs and a small excavator. The intensive search was paused on Monday evening without any immediate findings reported.

Investigators plan to resume their work on Tuesday. The property’s connection to the primary suspect makes it a high-priority location. This represents one of the most significant investigative actions in the case in recent years.

A Case Defined by a Single Suspect and a Lack of Evidence

The brother-in-law remains the only person ever formally suspected in Rebecca’s disappearance. He was the last person to see her at her sister’s apartment in Berlin’s Britz district. He reported that she was there on the morning of February 18, 2019, before she supposedly vanished.

CCTV evidence later placed his red car on the A12 Autobahn near Frankfurt (Oder). His exact activities in that area have never been fully explained. Despite this circumstantial evidence, he was detained and released twice due to a lack of concrete proof.

The Berlin State Criminal Police Office pursued over 3,000 separate tips. No breakthrough ever materialized. The family’s hope for answers has persisted throughout the long and painful investigation.

The new search for Rebecca Reusch demonstrates that authorities have not given up. This high-profile cold case continues to demand answers and justice. The Berlin police’s latest efforts reflect an unwavering determination to resolve the mystery of Rebecca Reusch’s disappearance.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is the main suspect in Rebecca Reusch’s disappearance?

The primary suspect has always been Rebecca’s brother-in-law. He was the last known person to see her alive. He was investigated extensively but never charged due to insufficient evidence.

What technology are police using in the new search?

Authorities are using ground-penetrating radar and drone surveillance. They also have cadaver dogs and an excavator on site. This technology helps them search for buried evidence without large-scale digging.

How long has Rebecca Reusch been missing?

Rebecca Reusch vanished on February 18, 2019. She was 15 years old at the time. The case is now over five years old.

Where is the current search taking place?

The search is focused on a property in Tauche, Brandenburg. It belongs to the grandparents of the brother-in-law. The area is rural, located west of Beeskow.

Why was the suspect released previously?

German prosecutors did not have enough physical evidence to secure a conviction. The case against him was largely circumstantial. Without a body or murder weapon, charges could not be filed.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, Berlin State Criminal Police Office, Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA)