The court has extended the pre-trial detention of the two Assen residents (21 and 27 years old) who shot during a violent explosion in the Lariks residential area by three months.
Two co-suspects, aged 31 and 28, have now been released. This became apparent today during the second preliminary hearing in the case.
The substantive hearing of the case is scheduled for September 10, but the court hopes that this can be done before the summer.
During the incident on October 4, a 24-year-old resident of Assen was seriously injured. He was hit by five bullets. This happened in broad daylight on Maria in Campislaan, near a petting zoo.
Two groups clashed under the eyes of local residents. Stabbing and shooting weapons were used.
Seven people were ultimately arrested. Most took a negative attitude. Also the pair who allegedly shot. Both eventually gave in after being confronted with gunshot residue on their hands.
The 21-year-old said he only shot once. “In the air,” he told the judge. He said he saw a friend being attacked with a sword by the later victim. He shot into the air as a warning, the man said.
The 27-year-old co-suspect agreed and explained why he shot. “I had to shoot then, otherwise I would have been chopped.” Both are charged with attempted manslaughter. “Too serious to send home,” the judge said.
In recent days, several witnesses have been heard by the examining magistrate. This showed that the role of the 31-year-old was so small that he was released yesterday.
The man in his thirties came to the introductory hearing today. In principle, that was no longer necessary. The 28-year-old co-suspect was allowed to go home two weeks ago.
The public prosecutor has not yet determined whether all seven suspects will appear in court. “In any case four people, the remaining three cases still need to be considered how they should be dealt with,” the prosecutor said.