‘Repulsive, disrespectful, and lacking any sense of norms’ is how the Public Prosecution Service describes the manner in which a 42-year-old man allegedly severely assaulted, killed, and disposed of the body of a 35-year-old sex worker. The prosecutor demanded 14 years of imprisonment and TBS with compulsory treatment against the man from Zwanenburg in the Amsterdam court.
The body of the woman, severely mutilated and wrapped in plaster runner, was found on November 29, 2023, in the IJ. An autopsy revealed that she had died from asphyxiation. Investigations into her work phone showed that the suspect was the last person she had contact with. Her phone was found a day after the discovery of her body in a garbage bag at a waste processing company. Next to the device, the police also found bloodstained bedding with cat hairs and a cord with rings at the end that is presumably a part of a dog leash.
Sex Appointment
The suspect spoke in an intercepted conversation with his partner about dirty bedding, a cat, and a mattress cover that needed to be replaced. He was subsequently arrested. DNA was taken from him and matched DNA found in cellular material on the garbage bag containing the bedding. DNA from both him and the victim was found on the bedding. In the suspects van, the police found a dog leash.
According to the suspect, he had a sex appointment with the victim. He stated that there was an intense sex game between him and the victim. A cord was placed around her neck, which turned out to be too tight. She became limp and unresponsive. He claims to have tried to resuscitate her. When that failed, he placed her body in his van, then put it in a boat, sailed to the IJ, and left her body in the water.
“By his actions, the suspect has horrifically ended the life of the victim,” said the prosecutor. “And thereby demonstrated a complete lack of respect for human life.”
Personality Disorder
The suspect was examined by a psychologist and psychiatrist. They diagnosed him with a personality disorder characterized by a disturbance of impulse and aggression regulation, a lack of empathy, and excessive perfectionism. He would also use alcohol, cocaine, and sex to suppress or temporarily forget negative feelings.
According to the prosecutor, there is an unacceptable risk of reoffending as long as these disorders remain untreated. “It is of great importance that this risk is mitigated, and treatment is necessary for that. For this treatment to be successful, a TBS measure with compulsory treatment is essential,” said the prosecutor.
The court will deliver its verdict on October 30.
