A devastating triple homicide has shattered the peace on a holiday island in Cape Verde, with three members of a German family found stabbed to death in their holiday home.
Victims and Suspect Identified
Police on the island of Saint Vincent discovered the bodies late on December 23, 2025. The victims have been identified as a 60-year-old German man, his 45-year-old wife, and his 20-year-old stepdaughter. The family had recently arrived in the country in December for a holiday.
The primary suspect is the 60-year-old man's son, who was also on the island with the family. Authorities state the suspect has a known history of psychological disorders. He is believed to have fled Cape Verde on the same day as the killings, before the victims were discovered.
Police Investigation Underway
The Judicial Police in Cape Verde confirmed the grim discovery was made in a residence in the Cha de Alecrim area on Saint Vincent's north coast. A spokesman stated the evidence points to the crimes occurring in the early hours of December 23.
"Everything indicates that this is a triple homicide case," the spokesman said. "The main suspect... appears to have left the country the day of the killings." Investigators are actively working to track down the suspect and clarify all circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Safety in Cape Verde for Tourists
This violent incident is highly unusual for the Atlantic archipelago, which is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, including thousands of British visitors each year.
The UK Foreign Office's travel advice for Cape Verde notes that the crime rate is generally low. It highlights that most incidents involve petty crimes like pickpocketing or bag snatching, particularly in Praia and on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Serious violent crime against tourists is rare.
Local authorities have urged calm among the resident population, assuring them that the suspect has been identified and a thorough investigation is in progress.
