Donny M. is suspected of kidnapping and murdering nine-year-old Gino. He needs further examination at the Pieter Baan Center. In addition, his pre-trial detention has been extended by two weeks. The judge in Maastricht announced this on Tuesday afternoon. Last week Gino disappeared in Kerkrade. His body was found days later. What do we know about the case so far?
Gino lives with his mother in Maastricht. He has two sisters: Kelly (32) and Naomi (21). Before his disappearance, he had been staying with Kelly in Kerkrade in South Limburg for a week, because his mother was ill.
Wednesday 1 June
In the evening Gino plays in a playground in Kerkrade. There he was last seen.
The playground where Gino was last seen.
The playground where Gino was last seen. Photo: AP
Thursday 2 June
An amber alert is being sent out. Volunteers and the police start a major search. Detection dogs, drones and a helicopter are used for this purpose. In Landgraaf a scooter is found, which is very similar to that of Gino.
The search in Landgraaf.
The search in Landgraaf. Photo: AP
Friday 3 June
The search continues. More items are found, which may belong to Gino.
Friday night
A 22-year-old man from Geleen has been arrested. This Donny M. is suspected of kidnapping and involvement in Gino’s death.
Saturday 4 June
Gino’s body is found at a house in Geleen, following clues from the suspect. The house has been uninhabited for some time due to a fire. The suspect lives nearby.
Flowers are placed at the house in Geleen. Bouquets and cuddly toys are also left at Gino’s house in Maastricht and the playground in Kerkrade.
Flowers are placed at the house in Geleen. Bouquets and cuddly toys are also left at Gino’s house in Maastricht and the playground in Kerkrade. Photo: AP
Saturday 4 June
A 24-year-old man from Kerkrade is identified as the perpetrator on social media. His name and photos are widely shared. The police tweet that it is not about the suspect and urgently ask people to remove the images and not to share them.
Monday June 6
The police are asking people to share camera images from June 1 (between 6.50 pm and 7.30 pm), when a blue Volkswagen Lupo can be seen on it. These are images of the place where Gino disappeared, where his scooter may have been found and where his body was found.
The police investigation at the home of Donny M.
The police investigation at the home of Donny M. Photo: AP
Tuesday 7 June
Donny M. is brought before the examining magistrate. He determines that he is suspected of murder. And that he should be examined in the Pieter Baan Center. The police investigation is still ongoing. Police are also investigating whether there are any other suspects. Camera images are also coming in after Monday’s call.
Tuesday 7 June
It is known about Donny M. that he was already convicted in 2017 for assaulting two young boys and abusing at least one of them. He was then placed in juvenile detention for almost five months. He also had to undergo treatment at a mental health clinic. Doony M. was seventeen at the time. He is known to law enforcement as seriously damaged. That’s what it writes ADwhich holds the judgment from 2017.
Wednesday 8 June
A silent march is being held in Kerkrade. There will be a guard of honor with beautiful cars and motorcycles, because Gino loved them. The journey ends at the playground where the boy was last seen.