Children and Father Not Yet Found
Shortly after noon, tire tracks were found in the Carel Coenraadpolder leading to the water. These tracks prompted further investigation at this location. Forensic research was conducted and sonar boats were used to search the water. The missing Emma and Jeffrey have not yet been found, nor has the suspect Klaas Bijl.
Letter Raises Fears for the Children’s Lives
We fear for the lives of the children because there are indications that their father wants to take the lives of himself and the children. We suspect this in part because a letter has been found that was written by the suspect. This letter gives reason to believe that the children are in life-threatening danger. Therefore, we are searching for Jeffrey and Emma with a large number of people. We are doing this both publicly and behind the scenes, with a large investigation team. We are working together with the Veterans Search Team (VST) and private search teams that are assisting under police direction.
Search Area Extends to Germany
Jeffrey and Emma were taken from Beerta by their father, Klaas Bijl, on Saturday afternoon, May 17, around 3:30 PM. He is driving a gray Toyota Avensis. This car was last seen on Saturday, May 17, around 3:45 PM near the A7 in Winschoten. It is unclear in which direction the vehicle departed afterward. It is possible that the suspect father has left with the children towards Germany. The Dutch police are in intensive contact with the German police. Residents in the German border area are asked to be on the lookout for the father and children and to share any information.
Every Detail Can Be Important: Share Your Information
Do you have information that can help us in the investigation? Any information you have, or think you have, about the whereabouts of Jeffrey, Emma, and their father Klaas Bijl could be relevant. Have you possibly seen them after Saturday, May 17, around 3:30 PM, or have you possibly seen the car driving? Do you have camera footage from, for example, a video doorbell or dashcam showing a gray Toyota Avensis or anything you think might be important?
Share all the information you have. Every detail, no matter how small, can be important in finding Jeffrey and Emma. That is our top priority. Call us, even if you are unsure. You can call us for free at 0800-6070.