The death of a teenage girl holding both Portuguese and Swiss nationalities has plunged the municipality of Berikon into shock, primarily due to the details that have since emerged.
The incident occurred on Sunday, the 11th, when the 15-year-old was found in a forest “bleeding profusely.” Despite emergency services’ efforts to save her, the girl succumbed to knife wounds.
Authorities revealed that shortly afterwards, another young girl was discovered by citizens, also injured but not in a life-threatening condition. It quickly became apparent that the two events were connected, and after the 14-year-old was treated at the hospital, she was taken into custody.
When questioned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that there was “no indication that the suspect is Portuguese.”
What Was Their Relationship? How Was the Case Uncovered?
The tragedy deepens with media revelations indicating that the victim, identified as Mandy Ferreira, was acquainted with her alleged assailant, with their relationship described as that of “best friends.”
Tele M1 reported that the two were “best friends, but fell out.” However, authorities have not confirmed this information.
An eyewitness told the publication Blick that two young girls were seen heading towards the forest on that day. “I saw the two girls running to the forest,” the witness stated, suggesting that they might be the two involved.
The publication Blick reconstructed that the alleged assailant ran towards a shooting range where an event was underway, having to cross two bridges, where traces of blood were still visible two days after the incident. According to tabloid 20 Minuten, one rescuer recounted that the younger girl feared for her life, saying, “The girl said she had a fight with a colleague. She kept repeating in shock: ‘I’m dying, I’m dying.'”
Community Remembers Victim as “Shy” and Kind
According to a family acquaintance cited by Blick, the deceased young girl was described as somewhat “introverted and a bit shy,” yet friendly. “I can’t imagine her arguing with anyone,” the acquaintance added.
On the municipality’s website, a message was posted regarding the incident. “The municipal council of Berikon is deeply shocked and affected by this incomprehensible event. We are deeply shocked that such a tragic incident has occurred. On behalf of the municipal council and the entire population of Berikon, we express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, and friends. In these difficult times, our thoughts are with the family who has lost their loved one,” reads the note.
The municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar, where the young girl had roots, also reacted with “deep and sincere consternation.” “The young girl from Tresminas, Mandy Ferreira, in the prime of her life, was horrifically and inhumanly taken, leaving the Aguiar community with a sense of deep sadness and desolation,” stated the municipality in a Facebook post.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation to understand what transpired on that Sunday.
Talking to Blick, several family acquaintances expressed the expected profound grief. A family neighbor mentioned that the mother of the deceased “could not stop crying” and “keeps calling her daughter’s name.”
