Nurse Theodoor V. (31) denies having killed patients. This is confirmed by his lawyer Tjalling van der Goot.
The nurse from Veenhuizen was released today.
According to the examining magistrate, the suspicions against him are not strong enough. The pre-trial detention is not extended and his pre-trial detention has been lifted.
The Public Prosecution Service suspects 31-year-old V. of involvement in the death of corona patients in the closed ward of the Wilhelmina Hospital in Assen. V. himself stated that he had killed twenty patients at mental health care providers in Drenthe, from whom he sought psychiatric help. That’s what the court thought at an earlier session enough to hold it longer.
‘No criminal offenses’
Now the nurse says that the Public Prosecution Service “has released a version of what he would have said to the GGZ that is inconsistent with how things went in the hospital,” said the lawyer. “My client says that he has not committed any criminal offenses. He just did his job in the hectic circumstances of the busy corona time.”
The nurse was in jail when he heard the judge’s verdict. He was immediately released after the necessary administrative actions. The lawyer does not know where he is now. “We are pleased that we have always been reticent in this matter. You can now see how things can go.”
OM: investigation continues
Justice emphasizes that he remains a suspect and that the criminal investigation continues: “More statements will be recorded from possible witnesses in the near future. The experts’ investigation into the medical files has also not yet been completed. It is expected that a first provisional estimate will be made at the end of June.”
Hospital remains behind report
The Wilhelmina Hospital in Assen (WZA) still supports the report against Theodoor V., which is associated with twenty deaths.
The hospital considers the report “still a good step” and points out that the investigation into the deaths is still ongoing.
“Our thoughts now go in the first place to the relatives, whose feelings of insecurity will be reinforced. That also applies to ourselves. We have the same questions. Has something criminal happened and how?” said a spokeswoman. “We can’t give answers, but we can provide support.”