The trio was initially arrested by the investigating judge on suspicion of manslaughter and culpable negligence. A week later, that qualification was expanded to include robbery and murder. This would mean that the violence was committed in order to rob D. or to flee after the theft. The suspects allegedly made off with a bicycle and clothing, among other things.
Nigel D. and Tyson S. turned out not to be up for their test in that area. For example, in January 2022 they were sentenced to fifteen months in prison for a violent theft in Wingene. The victim suffered a broken nose and a concussion. The suspects and their associates at the time could not accept the fact that he had been open-lipped to the police about their drug activities. They also stole 15 euros and his smartphone. In December 2024, an additional year of effective imprisonment was added for a series of shoplifting cases. D. and S. invariably looted tobacco in the Colruyt in Tielt.
As usual, a psychiatric report was drawn up for the suspects. During their investigation, the experts came to the conclusion that Marco V. is incompetent. The suspect is said to have a very low IQ. In these circumstances, V. was placed under electronic surveillance by the Ghent Indictment Chamber (KI) at the beginning of January 2025. Later the AI decided to release him under conditions. Tyson S. and Nigel D. are still in custody.
