In a tragic incident in Mali Mihaljevac, Međimurje, a 65-year-old retired cartoonist, Damir Novak, was shot dead by his neighbor, Dragutin Srnec, who subsequently took his own life. The conflict between the two had been longstanding, primarily revolving around disputes over property boundaries and neighborhood issues. Police had previously intervened multiple times due to threats exchanged between them, highlighting the severity of their ongoing struggles.

The police had also raided Srnec's home in November 2022, confiscating a significant amount of illegal weaponry, which raised concerns about his potential for violence. This prior police action indicates that the tensions between the two had escalated to a point where law enforcement was already involved. The situation reflects broader issues of gun control and the responsibilities of law enforcement in managing domestic disputes that may lead to violent outcomes.

The news of Novak's death has resonated deeply within Međimurje and beyond, as he was a well-known figure in Croatian society due to his successful career as a cartoonist and his political involvement as the president of a local SDP municipality. His impactful work and sudden demise have sparked discussions about the nature of conflict in communities and the importance of addressing underlying issues before they culminate in tragedy.