Suspect confesses in Anne Faber murder, court reveals

In a court hearing on Wednesday it was revealed that Michael P., the suspect in Anne Faber's murder case, admitted to kidnapping, raping and murdering the young woman. Faber was reported missing from Utrecht on September 29, the same day P. said he killed her.

The news was disclosed by the Public Prosecutor during a pre-trial hearing in the case against P. The 27-year-old is from from Zeewolde, where Faber's body was found.

P.'s lawyer declared that his client regrets his actions and is willing to cooperate in the investigation. At the time of his arrest. the suspect was under treatment at a psychiatric clinic in Den Dolder for the rape of two girls in 2010.

The Public Prosecutor said they want to evaluate the statement to determine its veracity. The investigation could take some months.

Hans Faber, the victim's uncle and family spokesperson, told NOS that it was a very difficult day for family and friends. "We were prepared for it, but to hear it is actually terribly painfully". He added that there is still much anger and grief over the murder.

The 25-year-old Faber, from Utrecht, disappeared on September 29 after she set out for a bike ride. Her body was found in a nature preserve in Zeewolde on October 12 following the investigation into P.

The accused was not present at the Wednesday hearing. He was arrested on October 9 after trace evidence recovered from Faber's jacket matched his DNA. The Public Prosecutor thanked the group of the missing girl's friends that voluntarily collaborated in the search operation and investigation, and succeeded in finding her jacket. "Without the help of the volunteers we wouldn't have progressed to where we are now".

The next hearing is planned on March 23. The trial is expected to take place around June 11.