The Public Prosecution Service demands prison sentences of fourteen years for an extremely violent robbery. The victim was stabbed on March 29, 2024, in front of his house in Houten and was left severely injured. The perpetrators fled with his bag, which contained a Rolex and a large sum of money.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, a 38-year-old man from Mijdrecht and a 41-year-old man from Utrecht are responsible for this brutal robbery. The men allegedly attacked the victim with knives. The Public Prosecution Service demands a prison sentence of fourteen years for both men.
Pants and Underwear
The 38-year-old man from Mijdrecht first comes into view as a suspect. His DNA is found at the crime scene. At that location, a pair of pants and underwear are also left behind, which the victim tore off during a struggle with one of his attackers. The DNA of the 38-year-old suspect is found on these items, as well as on a bloody knife found in the immediate vicinity. This suspect admits to being involved in the robbery.
Subsequently, a call for information is made using camera footage in investigation programs, and several anonymous tips come in regarding the identities of the two other suspects, an accomplice and a driver. The involvement of the 41-year-old man and the 40-year-old man is confirmed according to the Public Prosecution Service by information from their phones and tapped conversations.
Extreme Violence
The injuries to the victim are horrific. Four stab wounds are found in the chest, twelve stab wounds in the back, one stab wound in the right arm, and seven stab wounds in the left arm. “In total, we are talking about 24 stab wounds, which is extreme violence,” concludes the prosecutor. “The victim is lucky to have survived.”
This violence is not only charged as robbery with violence. The 41-year-old man is also accused of attempted murder. The file shows that the suspects were at the location a day earlier, likely for reconnaissance. Additionally, the suspects deliberately brought a knife and inflicted life-threatening injuries. The victim states that initially no attempt was made to take the bag, but that he was immediately stabbed. This indicates, according to the Public Prosecution Service, that there was a premeditated plan to kill the victim.
The 38-year-old man is suspected of attempted aggravated manslaughter. He also brought a knife and inflicted life-threatening injuries. In his case, the stabbing may have also happened in a fit of rage. According to the Public Prosecution Service, it was actually his accomplice who stabbed first. A struggle ensued during which the 41-year-old suspect shouted, “stab him, stab him.” According to the Public Prosecution Service, the man then stabbed the victim multiple times in the back to be able to take the bag containing the Rolex.
Long-Term Consequences
When determining the sentence demand, the severity of the facts is taken into account. The extreme violence used against the victim is considered. “The physical and mental consequences for him are long-lasting,” explains the prosecutor. “The act was preceded by a long preparation. I also consider this circumstance to be aggravating.”
The criminal record of the suspects is also aggravating. The 38-year-old suspect was sentenced in 2019 to a four-year prison sentence for a home robbery. He was also still on probation from a previously imposed conditional prison sentence of two weeks. The 41-year-old suspect is also no stranger to police and justice; he was previously convicted for the theft of the Monstrance from the Catharijne Convent museum in 2013.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, these suspects have had enough warnings. The 38-year-old suspect is not cooperating with psychological evaluations and potential help. “As long as there are no possibilities for treatment, the Public Prosecution Service will focus on securing society,” explains the prosecutor. Therefore, only a long unconditional prison sentence is appropriate for both men. The court will deliver its ruling on June 18.
Accomplices
In addition to the two perpetrators, three other individuals have been identified as suspects in this investigation. The 40-year-old man from Overberg allegedly acted as a driver. However, it cannot be proven whether he knew what his passengers were planning. Various illegal weapons, drugs, and a jammer were found in his home. The Public Prosecution Service demands a prison sentence of 108 days for him. Two women, who may have played a role in passing on information, will learn later whether they must appear in court.