Suspected fatal robbery Sjaak Groot denies: “Don’t know how my DNA got on the gun”

Glenn V. appeared in court for the first time in this case. According to the public prosecutor, one of the six men who broke into the home of Sjaak Groot (72) in June last. During the struggle that ensued, the Berkhouter was shot dead.

The weapon is found two weeks later. It later transpires that one of the suspects has committed suicide† The DNA of Glenn V. is found on the gun. Gunshot residue research also shows that it is very likely has been used in other robberies†

“It’s tunnel vision,” said Glenn V., who gave his story at the end of the session. “A friend of mine has died. And with him a weapon is found with my DNA on it. And based on that, all kinds of things are attributed to me.”

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Robbery in the Goorn

Because in addition to the robbery on Sjaak Groot, he is also suspected of a violent robbery in the Goorn† A couple is threatened, and the man severely beaten. He is also shot at, but the bullet is missing by a hair.

In a statement, he acknowledged that he had been present in a warehouse and that he knew a number of suspects. That was on the evening prior to the robbery of Sjaak Groot. But he says he stayed there. “I cut weed there. I come from youth care, and have no education or work experience. And so I can earn something and then build something positive.”

But he has nothing to do with robberies, said Glenn V. “I’ve never attacked old people. I would rather rob a dealer, so to speak, than harm other people. I don’t like what happened to Mr. Groot but I have nothing to do with it.

Psychological research

V. is on the waiting list for a psychological examination at the Pieter Baan Center. That should happen in August. As far as lawyer Malou Hoekzema is concerned, her client will be released in the interim because, according to her, there is no evidence whatsoever that he was involved in the fatal robbery of Sjaak Groot.

The public prosecutor sees that very differently, and he wants V. to remain in custody. Whether the judge agrees with that will be announced tomorrow. The next interim session is on September 12.

Lawsuit next year

It will take a long time before all the suspects, now six, really demand a punishment. The Public Prosecution Service is still working to link the suspects to various robberies. The final file is expected to be ready early next year. A substantive treatment will be no earlier than the second quarter of 2023.