The Public Prosecution Service in Amsterdam today demanded a prison sentence of thirteen years against two men aged 23 and 41 for their role in the shooting on November 19, 2023, in a coffeeshop in Amsterdam. A 33-year-old man from Zoetermeer died as a result of a single shot to his head.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, the motive for the deadly shooting was a long-standing conflict over a drug debt. Since November 2023, both men have had a deteriorating relationship due to unpaid deals in their drug trade. Despite threats from the victim, the two met several times, each time with increasing tension.
On November 19, 2023, the situation escalated during a meeting in a busy coffeeshop near the Nieuwmarkt in the center of Amsterdam. The victim took the phone of the 41-year-old suspect, who wanted the phone back at all costs because it contained highly incriminating information. The victim was trapped in the coffeeshop and had no way out. The 23-year-old suspect entered the coffeeshop, received the weapon from the older suspect, approached the victim without any exchange of words, and shot him once in the head.
Handyman
“The 41-year-old suspect gave the weapon and the order in a cold-blooded manner,” said the public prosecutor today in court, “while letting the other do the dirty work.” The Public Prosecution Service relies on a series of pieces of evidence. Camera footage shows how the 23-year-old suspect walked directly to the victim and shot at close range without hesitation. Additionally, there is a witness statement from a person present who confirms that an order to shoot was given. Incriminating messages were also found on the mobile phone of the older suspect, which, according to the Public Prosecution Service, provided insight into the motive behind the shooting.
The 23-year-old suspect who fired the shot was said to have acted as a handyman for the 41-year-old suspect. He was said to be subordinate to him and followed extensive orders from him without asking questions. Although there are indications of premeditation, such as the long-standing conflict and the fact that the 41-year-old arrived armed at the meeting, the Public Prosecution Service deems this insufficient to prove murder. However, they do consider manslaughter in association proven, as well as possession of a weapon, which both suspects have also been charged with.
Riccos for Bystanders
The 23-year-old suspects claim of (putative) self-defense must be rejected, according to the Public Prosecution Service. The public prosecutor stated: The suspect deliberately sought confrontation. There was no immediate threat that justified such a violent response.”
The public prosecutor emphasized today in court the seriousness of the violence in a public location with risks for and the impact on bystanders. “They could also have been hit. But it doesnt stop there. These witnesses were confronted in a very direct and intense way with the shot, the body of [the victim], and his struggle. That is immensely burdensome.”
The verdict of the court will be given in two weeks.