A 24-year-old man without a fixed address was arrested on October 25, 2023, after a days-long, large-scale search by the police and the Public Prosecution Service in a hotel in Amsterdam. He is suspected of manslaughter of a 60-year-old man from Rotterdam, arson, illegal possession of weapons, attempted serious assault in Zutphen, and vandalism. “For two weeks, the suspect managed to evade the police while knowing he was being sought for these serious offenses, which the prosecution takes very seriously,” said the public prosecutor.
Investigation
On October 13, 2023, police and fire brigade arrived at Handelsplein in Rotterdam after a report of a house fire. In the residence, the emergency services found the body of the 60-year-old resident with a gunshot wound to the head. Following the incident, a Major Incident Investigation Team (TGO) was launched under the direction of the Public Prosecution Service. Based on, among other things, camera footage and DNA traces, the suspect came into focus. His DNA was found on a cigarette butt and drinking glass in the residence. A few days later, on October 21, 2023, a report was made of a serious violent incident in Zutphen. The suspect allegedly attempted to strangle a 32-year-old man, cut him in the leg, and vandalized his home.
Evidence
The pathologist concluded that the death of the 60-year-old victim could be explained by a gunshot to the head and/or an overdose of methamphetamine, but that death due to the gunshot wound to the head is more likely.
Although the suspect went to the victims home with a weapon, the prosecution argues that it cannot be legally and convincingly proven that there was a premeditated plan and thus murder. However, the prosecution does consider manslaughter proven.
“The suspect has taken away the most precious thing a person possesses, life. Manslaughter is not without reason one of the most serious violent crimes recognized by our Penal Code,” said the public prosecutor. Regarding the violent incident in Zutphen, the prosecutor believes that attempted serious assault can be proven.
Prison sentence and mandatory treatment
The suspect has been admitted to the Pieter Baan Centre but did not cooperate with the investigation. Previous clinical observations indicate, according to experts, that there is a long-term personality disorder including borderline, antisocial, and narcissistic traits. According to the prosecution, it is highly likely that his disorders played a role in the manslaughter and arson. Therefore, diminished responsibility applies. Weighing everything, the prosecution finds an imprisonment of 18 years and mandatory treatment appropriate.
Reward paid out
During the search for the man, the chief public prosecutor in Rotterdam offered a reward of 25,000 euros. The investigation team received more than 500 tips. Ultimately, the reward for the golden tip that led to the arrest of the murder suspect was paid out and distributed among several individuals.
