Robbery
The trio was initially arrested by the investigating judge on suspicion of manslaughter and culpable negligence. A week later, that qualification was expanded to include robbery and murder. This would mean that the violence was committed in order to rob D. or to flee after the theft. The suspects allegedly made off with a bicycle and clothing, among other things.
Not on their test piece
Nigel D. and Tyson S. turned out not to be up for their test in that area. For example, in January 2022 they were sentenced to fifteen months in prison for a violent theft in Wingene. The victim suffered a broken nose and a concussion. The suspects and their associates at the time could not accept the fact that he had been open-lipped to the police about their drug activities. They also stole 15 euros and his smartphone. In December 2024, an additional year of effective imprisonment was added for a series of shoplifting cases. D. and S. invariably stole tobacco in a supermarket in Tielt.
Low IQ
As usual, a psychiatric report was drawn up for the suspects. During their investigation, the experts came to the conclusion that Marco V. is incompetent. The suspect is said to have a very low IQ. In these circumstances, V. was placed under electronic surveillance by the Ghent Indictment Chamber (KI) at the beginning of January 2025. In the summer of 2025, the AI decided to release him under conditions. Tyson S. and Nigel D. are still in custody.
Assizes
The public prosecutor wants to bring S. and D. to the court of assizes for robbery. The defense did not oppose that referral in the Bruges council chamber on December 30, 2025. The file will therefore be transferred to the attorney general, after which the Ghent indictment chamber can send the duo to the West Flemish assize court. While awaiting their assize trial, Tyson S. and Nigel D. remain in prison.
No danger
Marco V. also had to appear before the council chamber in Bruges on December 30, 2025, but the defense first wanted to take a written position on the case. His lawyers Elisabeth Vanpeteghem and Thomas Vandemeulebroucke did not accept the public prosecutor’s claim. Based on the report of the court experts, the public prosecutor’s office recommended internment.
On Tuesday morning, the Bruges council chamber considered the issue. The defense asked that Marco V. not be prosecuted. It was argued, among other things, that people in their twenties no longer pose a danger to society. “His weakness is not sufficient to speak of a mental disorder,” said master Elisabeth Vanpeteghem. Subordinate asked the defense not to pronounce internment, which would mean that V. would also have to appear before the assize court.
Defense on appeal
The Bruges council chamber ultimately ordered Marco V.’s internment. The Chamber for the Protection of Society (KBM) will have to judge the implementation of this measure. Pending this, the Tiel resident remains free under conditions. However, the defense has already announced that it will appeal against the internment. As a result, Ghent AI will have to make the decision.
