“I’m doing quite well.” This was one of the few things that a 67-year-old man from Veghel could say to the judge in Den Bosch on Thursday morning. He is suspected of killing his wife in their home on Violenstraat at the end of September. The victim was 64. Her husband looked straight ahead during the hearing, he will remain in custody for the time being.
The man himself had called the police on the morning of September 25, reporting that ‘something bad had happened.’ He was arrested after his wife’s body was found in their home.
During the first hearing it was announced that the suspect was undergoing psychological and psychiatric examination. At the request of his lawyer, a neurologist will perform a brain scan on the man. The lawyer said he was ‘pleased that the case is moving forward.’ He did not submit a request to release his client.
The suspect is charged with manslaughter. So there was no premeditation (then it would be murder). At the request of the relatives, it was not stated this Thursday how the woman was killed. The hearing was attended by the couple’s daughter and son and other family members. They were assisted by a victim advocate.
Thunder in a clear sky
For those in the immediate vicinity, the marital drama came as a bolt from the blue. “A very sweet older couple,” was how they were described by a neighbor. “They always say something, very cheerful and friendly people. We often saw them with the grandchildren,” she said.
Another local resident said that the couple never caused any nuisance. They might have had a fight sometimes. “But everyone has that sometimes,” said this local resident.
The lawsuit will continue on March 14 with another non-substantive hearing.
After the woman was found, part of Violenstraat was cordoned off: