Psych clinic manager shot dead on New Year's day

with reporting from M. Nadeem The manager of a psychiatric clinic was shot and killed on the first day of the new year in his hometown, Berkel en Rodenrijs, in Zuid Holland just north of Rotterdam. Rob Zweekhorst, 44, was a personnel manager for GGZ inGeest, a spokesperson for the clinic confirmed. The institution is active in the Amsterdam area. He was shot from close proximity by someone wearing a hood when he was walking his dog Wednesday night around 19:15. He was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later after emergency responders failed to revive him. Witnesses told police the victim was shot by a single person. The shooter managed to escape escape from the scene before police arrived. The victim had no connections with the criminal circuit, according to a family member of the victim who describes the incident as an attack in a statement to newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

Dokkumerstraat Berkel en Rodenrijs: Foto2 vanaf locatie: pic.twitter.com/rGIfB7EUbQ — Flashphoto NL (@flashphotoNL) January 1, 2014

  GGZ inGeest says it is shocked by the violent death. "Rob was head of administration, service and management at our institution. We wish the family and friends of Rob all the strength in this difficult time," a press release from the clinic stated. The police will release more information about the investigation midday Thursday.