American Student Living Abroad in Rotterdam Allegedly Murdered by Her Roommate

An American student was stabbed to death in Rotterdam while studying abroad.

Sarah Papenheim, 21, was found suffering from stab wounds in her apartment on Wednesday by authorities who’d been called to the scene about a dispute. Police reportedly tried to resuscitate Papenheim but she later died. 

Authorities believe Papenheim’s 23-year-old roommate, who has not been named, is responsible for the slaying, but it’s not clear what led up to the murder. 

Papenheim, who was from Andover, Minnesota, was in the country to study at Erasmus University.

"Sarah studied psychology and lived in the Netherlands since 2016. Our deepest condolences go out to all Sarah's family and friends at this poignant time, the university said in a statement. “The university is shocked by this terrible incident and is taking care of upset students and employees.”

Papenheim had lost her brother, 21, to suicide three years ago.

“I’ve been through this before,” her mother, Donee Odegard, told Fox9. “I’ve cried so much my ducts are dry. I am in the angry stage now.”

Papenheim, who often returned home for visits, loved music and was a skilled drummer, the station reported.

“Sarah was a beautiful, vibrant young woman and a talented musician with a smile that could light up a room,” said a GoFundMe page set up to help with funeral costs. “She played with some of the best musicians on the scene in the Twin Cities and had many close relationships with them. Her presence is irreplaceable.”

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