Two murders Tuesday morning in Weiteveen. Shortly afterwards, the suspect, 50-year-old Richard K., goes live on Facebook. In a minute-long account he tells his side of the story. Although K. does not literally say in the video that he killed the couple, it can certainly be used against him. That’s what experts say.
“Guys, something really bad has happened. After a year of taunting, they finally got it done,” K. begins his story. What follows is an account in which he explains how the victims threatened him and his family, about destruction and arguments. “I will go to jail for the rest of my life. I will be fine there. As long as you are safe, boys. As long as you are safe,” he tells his family.
The live story of K., who is suspected of double murder, makes the case in Weiteveen extra special, but it is not unique. Lawyer Niek Heidanus sees ‘much more often’ that suspects incriminate themselves by making a statement or posting something on social media. “I have regularly assisted clients who have been convicted partly on the basis of things they reported on Facebook, WhatsApp or otherwise.”
Normally, however, confessions only apply when suspects have been informed of their right to remain silent, the lawyer continues. “That is the so-called caution. But even if the suspect already makes a statement before the caution is given, that statement can still be used. The video of the suspect’s wife can also be used in this way. Both videos can therefore certainly be used as evidence become. “
Rolf Hoving, assistant professor of criminal law at the University of Groningen, has not viewed the images himself, but agrees with Heidanus’ words. “If the evidence is that K. was involved, then the evidence is like anything else. Then it is added to the file, it is included in the whole. When there is a trial, all this evidence is listed.”
But according to Hoving, a statement from the suspect alone is not sufficient to convict him. “Just as one statement from a witness is not enough to convict someone. Legally, there must be more evidence.”
That evidence appears to be there. In recent days, the technical investigation department has been busy with trace investigations. In addition, according to the Public Prosecution Service, there are witnesses who partly saw the incident.
Lawyer Heidanus expects that more evidence will be obtained. “Powder traces, presence at the crime scene, possibly a confessional statement, witnesses, etc. This criminal evidence will be supported and corroborated by the man’s video message. It will therefore certainly be used by the Public Prosecution Service and introduced as evidence.”
Press officer Debby Homans also says this. “It is of course important information. It also led to the quick arrest of the suspect. Everything is taken and can also be used as evidence.”