The man who stabbed eight-year-old Jesse to death at a primary school in Hoogerheide in 2006 will not be released for the time being. The court has again extended his stay in a TBS clinic by a maximum of two years. C. has already been treated, but he must show that he has grown personally and can stand on his own two feet in the future. It goes with small steps and that is why it takes time, the court finds.
Julien C. (36) walked into the Klim-Op primary school on December 1, 2006 with a knife. He entered an empty classroom. Only eight-year-old Jesse was there to grab something. C. stabbed the student to death. Why C. did that has never been clarified.
It is clear that he was mentally ill. He struggled with various disorders, including schizophrenia, psychoses and autism. He also smoked weed and drank alcohol.
Julien C. eventually received almost 12 years in prison and TBS. He has served the sentence. The TBS is still running and can be extended indefinitely. This has happened to him several times with the maximum of two years. This indicates that it is not there yet and that no major progress is expected in the short term.
Safety first
The court decided to extend it for another two years. The main objections to releasing him still apply: the safety of society in general and the risk of recurrence.
The judges follow the demand of the public prosecutor and the advice of experts who know C. well and want to continue with him for another two years. They state that he has been treated but still has to show what he has learned. He adheres to rules and agreements. That’s going well. But he is less successful in dealing with tensions and problems. That is why supervision and guidance remain necessary within the clinic.
The court emphasized that the purpose of TBS is to return to society. “He is at the beginning of this journey. Leaves are being extended further,” said the court chairman. It is now important for the court to properly monitor how he handles his freedoms.
The next goal has already been discussed: sheltered and assisted living. But when that goal is achieved depends on how he develops in the coming years.
A new report on his progress will be published in two years. The court will then rule on this in May 2025.
Julien C. who stabbed 8-year-old Jesse to death takes small steps in the TBS clinic