There are so far five suspects that the Public Prosecution Service suspects of involvement in the murder of Berkhouter Sjaak Groot (72). This became apparent during an interim session against 37-year-old Rotterdammer RM. One of the five suspects has since died.
Until now it was known that there three suspects goods. According to the public prosecutor, more arrests are not ruled out and the investigation is still in full swing. Police tracked down the suspects with a weapon had committed suicide† It contained the DNA of one of the suspects.
Last month was the first session of the other suspect, Alkmaarder DM (27). He stated earlier on that 14 June 2021 that he had gathered with others in a warehouse in Hoogwoud. There it was decided to break into Sjaak Groot’s house. He wouldn’t be home, and there was a safe in the house.
Sjaak Groot resists
DM says he left early because he thought the chance of being caught was too great. He said there was too much noise. For example, the window is smashed, whereupon Sjaak Groot comes to see what is going on. A struggle ensues, after which the Berkhouter is shot in the body. He tries to call 911, but dies with the phone still in his hand.
The second suspect who was on trial today also denies any involvement in the robbery. “I have nothing to do with this case,” said RM. But according to the public prosecutor, app conversations and statements by co-defendants show something completely different.
App conversations
According to the officer, the robbery was discussed with the others. For example, the word ‘tori’ was frequently used. Street language for committing a robbery. But according to M. he used the word in a different context.
In addition, his telephone signal shows that M. was in Hoogwoud that evening, the place where the group had gathered in a shed just before the robbery. He himself says that he no longer remembers what he was doing that evening, but that he was not in the shed or during the robbery.
According to his lawyer, there are no specific traces that point to his client, and he therefore requested that RM’s pre-trial detention be lifted. “He likes to be with his family.”
remand
It is not yet clear whether suspect RM will remain in custody for longer or not. The next session on May 31 will be another interim session.