Bar Shooting in Düsseldorf Leads to Trial

Overview

In April 2024, a fatal shooting occurred outside a bar in Düsseldorf. The incident involved a 52-year-old man from Kosovo shooting a 38-year-old bar owner due to gambling debts. The trial against the accused began six months later at the Düsseldorf Regional Court.

Details

The victim, known as Aleks M., was shot in front of his bar in Friedrichstadt. Eyewitnesses reported that the shooter, Rrustem R., fired four shots at Aleks M., resulting in his death. The suspect was apprehended immediately by the police. The trial, starting in October, charged Rrustem R. with manslaughter and illegal possession of a firearm.

Victim’s Background

Aleks M. was the bar owner in Friedrichstadt and also ran a staffing agency. Although he dabbled in German rap music with artists like Kollegah and Sun Diego, he never achieved significant success. His death sparked speculation on social media about the motive behind the shooting.

Possible Motive

The prosecution suggested that the shooting may have been motivated by Rrustem R.’s gambling debts to Aleks M. The accused claimed self-defense, alleging that Aleks M. threatened him with a gun first. Evidence from a witness’s video showed Rrustem R. standing over the injured victim with a gun.

Trial Details

The trial is set to have 17 hearings until January 13, 2025, at the Düsseldorf Regional Court.