The Public Prosecution Service (OM) wants 20-year-old Arek K. and his accomplice, Jenairo H., to spend 10 years in prison and undergo TBS, a form of psychiatric treatment for offenders with mental disorders. The two young men, who are currently on trial in Assen, are accused of stabbing Marit, a 26-year-old caregiver, to death at the Yorneo child and youth care center in Emmen. The OM also insists on making psychiatric treatment obligatory for the defendants accused of killing Marit during an attempted safe robbery.
Attack on a defenseless victim
Arek K. and Jenairo H., who were at the youth care facility on the evening of January 14 last year, decided to rob a safe that contained money. Jenairo H., a resident of the institution, knew about the safe and its location. The attack took place when only Marit and another resident were present. Marit had the keys to the office where the safe was kept.
The young woman suffered five stab wounds, in the neck, shoulder, and cheek. She died shortly after from the injuries and blood loss. A fellow resident saw the assault. K. grabbed her face and held her down, but she managed to break free and alert a nearby restaurant. The police arrested both boys soon after, who blamed each other for the stabbing.
OM’s allegations and legal ramifications
The OM claims, based on witness statements, that Jenairo H. stabbed Marit, while Arek K. kicked her. The prosecutor says the kick did not kill her, but may have knocked her out. The OM argues that both suspects knowingly took the risk of harming Marit while attempting the robbery. The prosecutor also suggests that Marit’s possible recognition of Jenairo H. could have been a reason for her murder.
The OM charges both suspects with qualified manslaughter, which means that they killed Marit in order to commit or conceal another crime. Qualified manslaughter is a serious offense that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. However, the OM is seeking a 10-year sentence and TBS for the defendants, considering their age and mental state.
The court is set to announce its decision on February 1.