Cold case solved? Arrest made in 2001 kickboxer slaying

Nearly 18 years ago, Dutch kickboxer Coen de Nijs was shot and killed in the center of Alkmaar. This week police finally came one step closer to solving the crime.

A 46-year-old Estonian man was arrested on Tuesday, suspected of playing a role in the street killing. The man admitted to being involved in the incident, police said in a statement on Thursday.

The murder happened on June 22, 2001, when De Nijs was shot from behind while he was near the corner of Zevenhuizen and Gasthuisstraat in the Noord-Holland city. De Nijs died at the scene.

A getaway car was later found burned up on the north side of Alkmaar.

De Nijs was 38 when he was killed. It was believed to be retribution in the criminal underground, though his family did know he was involved in any illegal activities, broadcaster NH reported in 2011.

He was shot in the back of the head after allegedly stealing a batch of ecstasy pills, the broadcaster reported. Other news reports over the years said no clear motive was ever revealed.

The Estonian suspect was arrested in his prison cell in Ter Apel, according to newspaper De Telegraaf. The newspaper said the suspect was overcome with guilt and wanted to confess. He had been serving time in Middelburg prior to a transfer to Ter Apel, in part for possession of firearms, the newspaper said.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Friday