Last Monday, El B. stood before the judge for the third time in a preparatory hearing. It was again decided that he would remain in custody. His lawyer Jan-Hein Kuijpers believes that the Public Prosecution Service has blinders on. According to him, it is entirely possible that Steve only left blood in the apartment if he was assaulted outside. In addition, a lot of evidence would point to another perpetrator.
Double life
Police investigation would show that Steve was leading a double life. He is said to have had contact with underage boys via the ‘Bullchat’ platform. A pedo hunter allegedly beat Steve up that night as revenge.
“A witness stated that he was told several times that this man intended to entrap Steve and wanted to pose as a 13-year-old boy,” the defense said during the second preliminary hearing.
Trace investigation crucial
The Public Prosecution Service does not consider this scenario relevant, because trace research would show that the violence must have taken place in the home. The findings of experts during preliminary pathological and forensic investigations will therefore probably become crucial in this case.
This will undoubtedly be discussed in detail during the substantive discussion. It is unknown when that will take place. The next preparatory session is on May 27.