Dozens of people left flowers and stuffed animals on Saturday afternoon at the playground in Kerkrade, where 9-year-old Gino was last seen on Wednesday evening. He has been missing since then, until his body was found in Geleen on Saturday morning. A woman who could speak to VTM NIEUWS brought a light because, according to his family, Gino was afraid of the dark.
People stand in groups talking to each other. They look for and support each other. There is a sense of collective mourning. At the same time, a sea of flowers, cuddly toys and other objects is created that should offer comfort. A woman has something special with her: a light on solar energy. “Because his sister said he was always very afraid of the dark. Now a light is always on, I thought that was a very nice idea.”
That message is also painted on a boulder, almost hidden between all the bears and flowers: “Don’t be afraid of the dark”. Many cards are also available, with “Rest in peace, Gino” and “Why?”.
The boy is actually from Maastricht, but has been staying with a sister in Kerkrade for a week because his mother is ill. On Wednesday evening he went outside to play football. He was also seen at the playground. He should have been back at his lodging place by 7:30 PM.
When he didn’t show up, his sister went looking for him late into the night and alerted the police. An amber alert was issued around 4 p.m. on Thursday. It is not known how Gino died and what has happened to him since his disappearance.
The suspect is in restrictions, which means that he is not allowed to talk to anyone except his lawyer. And that the lawyer, the police and the judiciary remain silent to the outside world.
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