The Detlev G. Case: A Mallorca Missing Person Mystery from Serra

A Winter Day That Became a Legend

It was January 3, 1987. I remember how old neighbors would recount years later the rare snow on Puig Major, how the Serra de Tramuntana seemed foreign and quiet for a day. On exactly this morning the German musician Detlev G. set off on a short hike toward Sóller — and never returned.

Between Mountain Love and Mystery

Detlev was considered someone who loved the mountains. Friends described him as unconventional, with a head full of melodies and a urge to go alone to the peaks. What began as a few hours in nature quickly turned into one of the most mysterious missing-person cases on the island. And honestly: the stories about him still have bite in cafés and at the harbor promenade.

What stood out: The missing person report only came on January 12 — nine days after the last sign of life. In a time without smartphones and constant location services, this delay seemed odd to many back then. Did someone wait? Were authorities sure he would return? Or were there other reasons for the late report?

A Macabre Find – and Many Questions

On May 3, 1987, near Torre de ses Ànimes at Estellencs, a male corpse was discovered. Jeans, jacket, a wad of D-Mark — at first glance, much seemed to fit. But the body was severely decayed, the legs unnaturally broken. It quickly turned out: It was not Detlev. The finding was later linked to other gruesome crimes and showed how dark some corners were back then.

The family traveled there, girlfriends gave clues, an American violinist appeared in the files, a Mallorcan businesswoman as well — rumors and speculation grew. Weeks passed, search parties combed the Tramuntana, but every lead led to nothing.

Why We Won't Forget This

What remains are questions. Did Detlev get lost in the white winter landscape? Was he the victim of a crime? Or did he decide to disappear without a trace? For the relatives there was never a definitive answer – and that gnaws. I sometimes sit in a small cafe on Plaça de la Llotja and hear old voices discussing the case. It is a reminder of how quickly people can disappear from view—and how much we should demand answers.

The missing-person case of Detlev G. remains one of Mallorca's most open chapters in the island's criminal history. And until a new lead emerges, the island will keep puzzling over that January morning.