DNA on a bottle cap led to the suspect of an explosion in the Chicagostraat in The Hague. The explosion on October 16 was part of the wave of violence that erupted after criminals stole a large batch of cocaine from each other.
In the middle of the night, the residents of the Chicagostraat were awakened by a loud bang. An explosion occurred at one of the houses around 1:20 AM. The front door, the doormat, and part of the garden furniture were destroyed. Fortunately, the residents were able to extinguish the fire that had started quickly.
A strong smell of gasoline was detectable at the door, and among the smoldering remains lay the cap of the used plastic bottle. DNA from a man from Wateringen was found on it. The perpetrator was also seen on street camera footage: someone wearing black pants with a distinct white stripe. When the police arrested the man from Wateringen, a similar pair of pants was found at his home.
The defense will surely say that it is weak evidence, the public prosecutor stated in court on Wednesday. But DNA and such similar pants is indeed a very unique combination. One would expect an explanation from a suspect. But he remains silent.
The Public Prosecution Service demanded 4 years. The court will deliver its verdict in two weeks.