Family and friends of Johan and Mathilda from Meerstad in the Netherlands have responded for the first time to the violent death of the couple. In a statement, the relatives speak of “dramatic events” that they “can hardly comprehend”. The suspect in the double murder is the couple’s 15-year-old daughter.
Journalist at HLN
Source: ANP, AD
The Dutch couple, both 53 years old, were found dead last Thursday in their home in Meerstad, a quiet residential area on the outskirts of Groningen. The case caused an enormous shock in the Netherlands.
Family and friends are now responding to the tragedy for the first time through the aid organization ‘On behalf of the Family’. “We hope that everyone understands that we are very impressed by the dramatic events surrounding the death of Johan and Mathilda from Meerstad,” they write.
“We, family and friends of Johan and Mathilda, can hardly comprehend it, but the support and compassion we have received from many do us good and are heart-warming.”
The relatives also expressly ask for peace and privacy. “We now want to say goodbye to Johan and Mathilda in peace and privacy and hope that everyone respects that wish.”
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The couple’s 15-year-old daughter was arrested shortly after the incident. She is officially suspected of “involvement in the death of her parents”. On Friday, the examining magistrate, comparable to an investigating judge in our country, decided that the girl will remain in jail for at least 14 days.
According to Dutch media, the girl also made images of her deceased parents after the facts and forwarded them to peers. Those photos and videos are now also in the hands of the police.
Because it concerns a minor suspect, the Dutch police remain very reluctant to comment. The Public Prosecution Service is also releasing little additional information for the time being. “This is due to the suspect’s minority and the applicable restrictions, which means that the suspect can only have contact with the lawyer,” it said.
