Man gets life for ex's "gruesome murder" in Kerkrade

The court of appeals in Den Bosch sentenced 57-year-old Roberto H. to life in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in Kerkrade. According to the court, H. “gruesomely” murdered 42-year-old Raegan Perez on 10 July 2019 by stabbing her to death in broad daylight in front of others.

The court ruled this a case of femicide. H. could not accept that Perez had ended their relationship and had contact with another man. H. stabbed Perez with a cleaver in her garden and then cut her throat on the sidewalk. Many people witnessed the murder. The woman died at the scene from her injuries.

Perez had filed multiple complaints against H., reporting to the police that he threatened her and told others he would kill her. H. had a restraining order against him, but that did not stop him from reaching Perez. H. asked a friend to order a cake from his ex. Perez often baked cakes to order. When the friend went to pay for the cake, H. went with her and then murdered Perez.

“The man’s life shows a pattern of severe violence and antisocial behavior,” the court said. H. had previously been convicted of a capital offense. He was in prison for seven years and underwent 13 years of institutionalized treatment (TBS). “The suspect has always blamed the victim and never taken responsibility for his actions. As a result, the suspect has increased the suffering of her loved ones,” the court said.

The Maastricht court had previously sentenced the man to 20 years in prison and TBS with compulsory treatment. Both the Public Prosecution Service (OM) and H. appealed. The OM asked for life in prison on appeal.