On May 7, 2024, a 16-year-old boy was stabbed at Piet Blomplein in Helmond. An emergency operation on the street was unsuccessful; the boy later died in the hospital. A 21-year-old man from Helmond is said to be responsible for his death. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) demanded a prison sentence of nine years against him today.
The police arrived on May 7, just before midnight, after a report of a stabbing incident. They found three young people kneeling on the ground next to the victim. It quickly became clear that one of them was responsible for the incident. A dispute had arisen between him and the victim, during which the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim in the upper body with a kitchen knife. The boy was treated on-site for his injuries but later died in the hospital.
Evidence
In this case, there is compelling evidence that the present man killed the boy: the suspect has confessed, and there are witness statements. DNA from the suspect was found on the knife with which the boy was killed. The NFI report also confirms that the boy died from stab wounds.
No Self-Defense
The public prosecutor elaborated today on whether there was a case of self-defense. In other words: did the suspect act in self-defense? According to the OM, this is not the case in this matter. The public prosecutor stated: The suspect armed himself with the kitchen knife he had with him that evening. Others urged him to let it go, but the suspect ignored this and continued to seek confrontation with the victim. The suspect had multiple opportunities to let the situation rest. It escalated when he drew a weapon. A weapon against which the 16-year-old boy had no chance.
Adult Criminal Law
Since the suspect was 20 years old at the time of the crime, he could be tried under juvenile law. However, the Public Prosecution Services position is that the suspect should be tried as an adult. The starting point is that prosecution occurs according to adult criminal law. Based on well-founded reports from experts, the OM sees no reason to make an exception for this suspect.
The incident leaves a huge sense of loss and sorrow among the bereaved. Given the serious crime, only a long prison sentence is appropriate. In this case, the OM demands a nine-year prison sentence. The judge will issue a ruling in three weeks.