Two women charged over shooting that killed six in northern Germany

German prosecutors have charged two women in connection with a shooting that killed six people at a youth welfare centre in Stade, west of Hamburg, on 29 June.

The 34-year-old mother of the suspected gunman’s child has been charged with murder. Prosecutors allege that she knew of his plans, shared his motive and actively supported him before and during the attack. Her lawyer said she denies the allegations, German broadcaster NDR reported.

A 65-year-old woman has been charged with six counts of aiding murder. Prosecutors allege that she knew of the plans, helped with preparations and drove the suspected gunman away from the scene afterwards.

According to prosecutors, the gunman opened fire on staff during a meeting at the centre. Five people died at the scene and a sixth died in hospital. NDR reported that the couple’s baby had previously been taken to hospital and that there had been a dispute over access to the child.

The suspected gunman, a 45-year-old man, died in custody on 21 July. Lower Saxony’s justice ministry said at the time that, based on the information then available, he had taken his own life. Prosecutors have closed the case against him.

In a separate case, a 49-year-old Berlin kiosk owner has been charged over the alleged sale of the pistol and ammunition used in the shooting. Prosecutors say the circumstances of the sale meant he must have expected the gun to be used to shoot people soon afterwards. He also faces charges of illegal weapons possession and trading.

Prosecutors have asked for the cases to be combined. The court in Stade must decide whether to open trial proceedings; the charges are not findings of guilt.