A 74-year-old man from Amersfoort saw only one way out for himself and his wife: their joint death. She died as a result of seventeen stab and cut wounds, he survived. The Public Prosecution Service suspects the man of manslaughter on his wife and therefore demands eight years of imprisonment and a behavioral influencing and freedom-restricting measure.
The case comes to light when the suspect calls his doctor on June 12 to indicate that he stabbed his wife the day before. When the alerted police arrive on the scene, they find the man and the lifeless body of the woman. The suspect immediately confesses to the officers that he stabbed his wife to death and then tried to take his own life.
Isolated Life
Investigations show that the couple led a very reclusive life. “The suspect was heavily dependent on his wife due to his fears,” explains the public prosecutor. “She kept his life manageable and bearable.” The motive for her death arose when the woman became seriously ill. The suspect had no skills to ask for help and improve his situation. “He saw only one way out, their joint death.”
Based on his statements and forensic evidence, the Public Prosecution Service concludes that the man deprived his wife of life by stabbing her multiple times with a knife. The man himself had injuries to his neck and wrist. “That corresponds with his statement that he also wanted to end his own life,” explains the public prosecutor.
Although the suspect states that he previously discussed dying together with his wife, it cannot be ruled out that he ultimately stabbed her in a fit of emotion. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence that it was murder with premeditation, and in the view of the Public Prosecution Service, it is a case of manslaughter.
No Euthanasia
The suspect varies in his statements about his wifes wishes to die, but in the view of the Public Prosecution Service, there is absolutely no question of a euthanasia gone wrong. “There is no evidence that the victim wanted to die,” says the public prosecutor. “This is also evident from the defense injuries. She tried to prevent the suspect from stabbing her with the knife.” According to the Public Prosecution Service, the suspect took the victims life in a gruesome manner.
Experts conclude that the woman likely did not die immediately. “It is hard to imagine how frightening and painful her last moments must have been,” states the public prosecutor. Additionally, the suspect caused great sorrow and loss for the relatives. “They must continue to live with the knowledge that her death was involuntary, violent, and painful.”
Imprisonment and Mandatory Help
When determining the sentence, the severity of the act and the personal circumstances of the suspect are taken into account. The suspect has multiple disorders, which makes him less accountable. The suspects advanced age also plays a role, making a prison sentence relatively heavy for him.
With these circumstances, the Public Prosecution Service arrives at an unconditional prison sentence of eight years. Because the man also needs help, the Public Prosecution Service additionally demands the imposition of the behavioral influencing and freedom-restricting measure (GVM).
The court will rule on May 14.