A 44-year-old convicted murderer escaped during an authorised outing on Wednesday near Schmelz in Saarland, prompting a large-scale search by German police.
According to the German police press portal, 44-year-old Mario Stegnitz is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence. Various German media outlets, including the Saarbrücker Zeitung, report that he was convicted of murder in 2010.
In a public appeal, police have urged people not to approach the man under any circumstances. He is said to have absconded on Wednesday at around 3pm during an authorised outing in the vicinity of Schmelz – approximately 40 minutes from Schengen – and has been wanted ever since. Upon enquiry, the Luxembourg Police confirmed to RTL that they too had been alerted by the German authorities and would be taking appropriate measures.
The fugitive is described as 1.92 metres tall, slim, with black hair, a black moustache, and brown eyes. He has a scar on his right thigh and a tattoo on his left upper arm. He was last seen wearing a cream-coloured t-shirt, long light-blue jeans, and white Nike shoes.
Anyone who sees the man is urged to contact the police immediately. Information regarding Stegnitz's current whereabouts should be directed to the Saarbrücken Police at 0049 681/9321-233 (or 0681/9321-233 from a German landline).
