Poison murder with magic beans: trial starts
Dana Van Laeken was admitted to AZ Groeninge in Kortrijk on October 12, 2018 with serious stomach and intestinal complaints. The victim died in intensive care the following night. It appeared to be a natural death, but an investigation was conducted within the hospital into the exact cause of death. The doctors went to the police on November 30, 2018 when it turned out that the woman had died due to the ingestion of castor seeds from the castor tree.
In his first interrogations, Pieter P. denied that he had anything to do with the death of his girlfriend. The accused suggested that the victim may have committed suicide. He also admitted that they had bought such miracle beans, saying they would replace their hedge. However, further investigation showed that only P. had engaged in the purchase of the castor seeds. In addition, it came to light that there were problems within the relationship, especially in connection with the children from his first marriage. P. was arrested by the investigating judge on February 28, 2019, but continued to deny his involvement in the poison murder.
Confessions anyway
At the end of May 2019, the accused still made confessions. He explained how he mixed the crushed ricin seeds into his partner’s food on several occasions. By the way, the poison is only released when the miracle beans are broken. There is no antidote to ricin.
During the assize process, Pieter P. will be defended by master Elisabeth Vanpeteghem, master Jan Leysen and master Kris Vincke. Master Jef Vermassen filed a civil suit for the victim’s mother and sister. Master Francis De Decker was appointed ad hoc guardian for the seven-year-old daughter of those involved. Maarten Ampe, deputy at the public prosecutor’s office in Kortrijk, takes on the role of public prosecutor for the first time. Pascale Clauw herself was a public prosecutor six times in the past, but is now making her debut as presiding judge.
The trial will start this afternoon with the reading of the indictment. After that, the defense will also have the floor. The accused will be interrogated by the chairman on Monday morning, December 12. Then the first of a total of 75 witnesses speak. Due to this extensive witness list, the trial will normally last until Monday 19 or even Tuesday 20 December.
Pieter P. risks life imprisonment for poison murder.