The murder of poultry farmer Jan van Mullekom from Helenaveen last July has had an extra sad aftermath for his relatives. A year and a half later, they are still not allowed back into the house, while the costs continue. And now there was also a burglary on Thursday evening.
Severely injured, 47-year-old Van Mullekom was found on July 11, 2022 in his house on Lage Brugweg. He was rushed to hospital, but died there from his injuries. It was soon assumed that a violent robbery had occurred, but the precise reason for this remained a mystery. Despite extensive criminal investigation. That investigation is still ongoing. For example, a few weeks ago the house was searched. This time, according to the police, with ‘new means’.
A hard blow for the relatives of the poultry farmer, especially because the fixed costs continue to run in the meantime. This is what the father of Van Mullekom’s partner says. “She pays about 1,500 euros in mortgage every month, plus gas and electricity. In total it now amounts to almost 30,000 euros. For nothing.”
In addition, her benefits have also been stopped. “The children’s inheritance is now in a blocked account, because they are still minors. But it does count towards her assets. This is therefore now too high for, among other things, the rent and healthcare allowance.”
“They wonder if they are also in danger.”
Besides the financial worries, there is also the fear, the father says. “My daughter has no idea why Jan was so badly damaged. She wonders whether she and the children are now also in danger.” In the meantime, the police cannot say anything about possible clues as part of the investigation. “That leaves them completely in the dark.”
What doesn’t make things any better is that the house was broken into on Thursday evening. Three burglars are said to have been inside for at least half an hour, after which they left without taking any loot. This was all recorded by a camera, which was installed after a previous burglary attempt. “My daughter then wanted to install cameras, but was not allowed to use electricity from the house. Ultimately, a few cameras were powered by solar cells.”
What the burglars were looking for is yet another mystery. The family hopes answers will follow soon. And that the house will be released shortly. “They now have no idea when that will finally happen.” If nothing changes in the short term, summary proceedings will follow.
The police say that they understand that the closure of the house has a major impact on the surviving relatives, but that it is necessary to determine the circumstances of the crime and the perpetrators.