One of two defendants convicted in Amsterdam shooting that left one dead, one hurt
On Monday, a 24-year-old Serginnio O. was sentenced to 14 years and 8 months in prison for his role in a fatal shooting that killed a 41-year-old Rodney Mijnals and injured a 21-year-old man in the Fizeaustraat neighborhood of Amsterdam-Oost on February 19, 2022. A second suspect, 27 year-old Germahin B., was acquitted due to insufficient evidence proving his presence at the crime scene during the shooting. The man was convicted by the District Court for Noord-Holland, the verdict was read on Monday.
The shooting occurred in the early evening in a residential neighborhood, shocking nearby residents. Witnesses reported hearing three loud gunshots around 8:31 p.m., prompting calls to the police. Emergency services arrived shortly thereafter, but the 41-year-old victim could not be revived.
Police discovered the 41-year-old victim lying face down outside his home with a gunshot wound to the chest. He had additional injuries to his head and body and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, shot in the arm, survived the incident and was taken to the hospital.
According to court records, three masked men entered the home of the 41-year-old victim through the back door. One of the men immediately brandished a firearm and aimed it at the victim's face. Both victims were shot on the street shortly thereafter.
The investigation revealed that the deceased victim had been injured inside his home before being fatally shot in the chest outside. The second victim, who fled the scene, was shot while running. Authorities believe the house was used for drug-related activities.
The court determined that the 24-year-old defendant was present during the incident, based on cell tower data and other evidence, including blood from the deceased found in the defendant's vehicle. While it remains unclear which of the three suspects fired the fatal shots, the court ruled that the group acted in concert before, during, and after the shooting.
The court rejected the defendant's claim that he was elsewhere trimming cannabis at the time of the incident. The judge emphasized that the group operated as a cohesive unit, making the defendant culpable for manslaughter and attempted manslaughter.
During the court hearing, the ex-partner and daughter of the deceased victim gave emotional testimonies about the lasting impact of the tragedy. The court ordered the defendant to pay 20,000 euro in damages to the victim’s daughter and over 10,000 euro to his ex-partner, including funeral costs.
