Online friend linked to young teen’s death; “Comforting” that crimes aren’t random: Mayor

Savannah Dekker knew the 16-year-old boy arrested in connection with her death through social media, Bunschoten mayor Melis van de Groep said on Radio 1 Journaal. The police confirmed that both Savannah and Romy Nieuwburg were killed in crimes, though so far the cases seem to be unrelated, according to the news program.

According to Mayor Van de Groep, the town hoped for a long time that Savannah would be found unharmed. There were indications from friends and family that she was hiding somewhere with the boy she met online. The police could not confirm this to Omroep Brabant.

The mayor also called it "comforting" that the deaths of the two 14-year-old girls don't seem to be related. "That there's no one randomly pulling girls from their bicycles."

Savannah was found dead in a ditch on industrial terrain De Kronkels on Sunday, after going missing on Thursday. A 16-year-old boy from Den Bosch was arrested in connection with her death.

Romy's body was found in Achterveld on Friday afternoon. A 14-year-old by from Ede was arrested in connection with her death.

The police are considering all scenarios, but so far the two crimes seem to be unrelated.