The Public Prosecution Service has demanded a twelve-year prison sentence against a 33-year-old suspect for the murder of his 37-year-old neighbor. The victim was found lifeless in October 2024 with dozens of stab wounds in the suspects residence in the Indische Buurt in Amsterdam East.
The victim died as a result of 51 stab wounds. The knife with which the victim, the neighbor of the suspect, was stabbed was found with the suspect. Investigations show that the blood on the knife belonged to the victim and the DNA of the suspect was on the knife.
The suspect stated today in court that he had decided earlier that evening to stab his neighbor to death if he became threatening again. He found his neighbor annoying, and his irritation built up throughout the evening of October 21, 2024. The knife with which he stabbed the victim was carried by him, as always, that evening as well.
According to the suspect, several incidents occurred that evening between him and the victim. The dossier contains various statements in which he speaks of self-defense. Today he also provided a statement about this. Both were sitting on the couch when, according to the suspect, things went wrong. The victim allegedly grabbed him by the neck and also tried to do so with his arms. That was the reason for him to stab. He said that something could have happened to him as well, and that is why he acted that way. According to him, he was ahead of the other. He stated in court that he had no regrets about his actions.
Disproportionate violence
According to the public prosecutor, the suspect acted disproportionately. For self-defense, it was not necessary to use a knife, let alone to inflict so many stab wounds. It must have been his intention, because he had previously decided to kill his neighbor if something were to happen. The public prosecutor considers it serious that the suspect only wanted to disclose information eleven months after the incident. “That is bitter and makes the situation for the relatives only more frustrating. They will not only have to live with the loss of their loved one but also with the frustration and anger of never knowing exactly why this happened to him,” said the public prosecutor. She also takes into account that the suspect was under the influence of alcohol during the commission of the crime. A measurement of 620 ugl/l was taken. Excessive alcohol consumption, according to the public prosecutor, leads to less inhibition.
Multiple disorders
The public prosecutor stated: “Given the seriousness of the offense, the large number of stab wounds, and the suffering of the relatives, we consider a long prison sentence and TBS with compulsory treatment necessary.” Experts have identified multiple disorders. The suspect has a specified personality disorder with a mix of some antisocial and schizotypal traits. There is also a disorder in alcohol use. A risk assessment could not be completed because the suspect did not cooperate. Therefore, according to the public prosecutor, the risk of reoffending cannot be ruled out. According to her, a return to society without treatment is not an option.
The courts verdict is on September 24.