ruth901
Daniela Petersen is an expert in criminal cases. Now she gives insights into her new book “Inside Crime” and talks about moving cases from East Hesse.
Fulda – Daniela Petersen (42) writes and speaks about crimes in the Fulda region in the series “Tatort Osthessen” and the podcast “Mord zum Sonntag”. The editor of the Fulda newspaper is already releasing her third book, “Inside Crime”. In the interview she reveals which case still concerns her to this day.
Dear Dani, what exactly fascinates you so much about violent crime?
I find the background information particularly exciting: Why does a crime occur? What are the triggers? Could it have been prevented? And is there perhaps a lever for society as a whole that needs to be used? Especially with the so-called femicides It is being discussed whether, for example, an electronic ankle bracelet can prevent violence against women.
Murder and system failure: insights into the new book “Inside Crime”
And do you believe that?
In individual cases I think that helps. Sure, an ankle bracelet doesn't prevent a perpetrator who has the intention of harming his ex-partner from going to her and doing so, but the police will get there quicker and can possibly prevent something worse from happening. In addition, such an ankle bracelet is a deterrent and, last but not least, it increases the feeling of security of those affected. In Spain, good results have been achieved with a locally flexible ankle bracelet in which the victims also receive a tracker. The use is also being expanded in Germany.
Is there a case that particularly concerned you in the long term?
There are some. For example, the murder of Petra Hübner. For a long time it was unclear who killed the 15-year-old. I recently had a little daughter, and just imagining what that loss must have meant for the parents is terrible. I also kept myself busy the fate of Gökhan, who was abused as a child by a priest had been. His example shows an absolute system failure. Anyone who looked away really left me speechless.
In your new book you focus on the people who were very close to the crimes – investigators, judges, lawyers. That was certainly exciting, but also time-consuming, right?
Most of the texts emerged from the conversations Sabrina Mehler and I as part of our true crime podcast “Murder on Sunday” have led. Formulating a text from a longer interview is day-to-day business for journalists. But it is time-consuming to get these interview partners – and to get them in front of the microphone. This sometimes requires persuasion.
Why talking is more fun than writing
What's more fun, talking about it or writing about it?
Writing and refining sentences feels more like work. Honestly, I have more fun talking about it with Sabrina and of course the podcast guests. These are always exciting interviews. Even if you already know a case well, there is always something you don't know yet. By the way, that's also the reason why I have two cases that I already have taken up in the previous books “Tatort Osthessen”. had, included again.
Which is your personal favorite detective from literature and films?
As a child, I was a big fan of the “big city district” and thought Mareike Carriere as Ellen Wegener was great. Together with Jan Fedder, the two were an unbeatable team.
Would you actually like to become a police officer?
Yes. After graduating from high school, I thought about it and even took an entrance exam. But I was too slow with the arithmetic tasks. That's why it didn't happen.
Will there be readings from the new book again?
Nothing is planned yet. But readings are fun for me, if something comes up, then definitely.
