The man was on vacation in the Netherlands on August 5, 2024, and stayed in a hotel in Kijkduin. He slept with their twins in one hotel room, while his wife stayed with her teenage daughter in another room. Around 6:15 AM, the man reported in panic at the reception. In his arms, he had one of the two babies, who showed virtually no signs of life. After a month in the hospital, the child passed away.

Forensic reports show that the baby had suffered severe brain damage, which ultimately led to its death. The injury was so severe that it could only have been caused by a serious accident or inflicted injury, such as violently shaking the baby. Since there was no serious accident and the father was alone with the two babies that night, it can only be concluded that he is responsible for the injury.

No explanation

What happened that night in the hotel room remains unclear. The suspect claims that around 6:00 AM he fed the twins, and that the boy choked and then stopped breathing. That explanation does not match the severe brain injury. That can only be explained by violent shaking, stated the public prosecutor. So violently that everyone understands this is life-threatening for a three-month-old baby.

At the same time, the public prosecutor took into account in his sentencing request that the death of the child must also be a traumatic experience for the suspect. He never intended to harm his baby, let alone kill him. The suspect is dealing with a great loss, which must be unbearable for him. This does not change the fact that he is responsible.  

The Public Prosecution Service demands 8 years for manslaughter. The court will issue a ruling in the case in a month.