Cold Case Solved: 'Girl in the River Main' Identified After 25 Years

May 18, 2026

50 min

May 18, 2026 18:31

'Girl in the River Main' identified 25 years on, father arrested

## Identification and Arrest

A cold case involving a teenager found in Germany's River Main 25 years ago has been solved. The girl, known as "The Girl in the River Main," has been identified as 16-year-old Diana S. Her father, a 67-year-old German, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

## Discovery and Investigation

Diana's body was discovered on July 31, 2001, in Frankfurt. She was wrapped in a leopard print bedspread and weighed down with a parasol stand. The investigation revealed she had suffered severe abuse, including fractures and burn scars. Forensic analysis suggested she might have originated from Afghanistan, Pakistan, or northern India before moving to Germany.

## Interpol's Role

The breakthrough came through Interpol's "Identify Me" campaign, which aims to solve cold cases involving unidentified women across Europe. Launched in 2023, the campaign has successfully identified six cases so far, with 41 still under investigation. Public tips following a renewed appeal helped lead to Diana's identification and her father's subsequent arrest.

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