The turnout for the silent vigil for Dean in Verrebroek was enormous. About twenty minutes before the announced start time, at least fifty people had already gathered at the church. In the end, about 200 to 250 people gathered to show their support to all of little Dean’s next of kin. The wake for the deceased boy was one big haunting moment: the candles on the church, the hugs, the silence, the disbelief and the immense sadness.
Dean’s mother, Elke Verberckmoes, was also present. Tears rolled down her cheeks as one person after another hugged her. Dean lived with his mother and sister in Verrebroek. In the Dalstraat in Sint-Niklaas, the mother had last seen her son on Wednesday 12 January.