Troubled 13-year-old boy in custody for fatal stabbing of 13-year-old boy in Schiedam
A 13-year-old boy was fatally stabbed Sunday afternoon in the Sveapark area of Schiedam, and a 13-year-old suspect has been arrested. The victim, who was found with a severe stab wound in his back, later died at the hospital. Local residents have said they were left utterly stunned by the incident.
The suspect had been linked to a robbery earlier this year. According to people familiar with the victim, both the suspect and the victim had been questioned by the police in connection with a robbery, but the case against the victim was dismissed, and he was no longer considered a suspect.
The suspect, who lives with his mother in a small courtyard of Swedish-style houses in one of Schiedam’s more affluent areas, had reportedly been experiencing behavioral issues for some time. Neighbors noted that he had struggled socially, particularly after transferring to a school in nearby Vlaardingen.
Authorities believe the attack occurred between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. near the Fjorddal, a wooded area in the neighborhood. A large kitchen knife, which police suspect to be the murder weapon, was recovered near the crime scene. After the stabbing, the victim managed to walk to a nearby home for help before collapsing. Despite efforts by medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
The suspect was apprehended not long after the incident. A witness reported seeing police officers arrest the boy at his home in the Sveapark neighborhood. He was said to have reacted nonchalantly to his arrest, and did not struggle.
“He is not well-liked by other kids. There have been incidents like doorbell pranks and slashed bicycle tires. But there were also many teenagers hanging around his house. I wouldn’t call them friends, but they were there,” said one neighbor.
“After his parents’ divorce, he started having panic attacks. His mother sought help, but she had her hands full with him. The police had been to their house before.”
Community in shock
The stabbing has left the community in shock, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could happen in their neighborhood. “This is the nicest area in Schiedam,” one local resident told NOS. “You don’t expect something like this here.” The victim had reportedly been robbed of his bike and phone on multiple occasions in the past.
There are growing concerns that this incident could escalate tensions in the neighborhood, as some residents have noticed people photographing the suspect’s home. The victim's family and the suspect’s family are both grappling with the aftermath.
Schiedam’s Mayor, Harald Bergmann, has expressed his shock over the incident, stating that the authorities are doing everything they can to prevent further violence and bring clarity to the case. "We will do everything in our power to ensure this does not lead to further violence," he said. "Our thoughts are with the family of the victim and everyone affected by this tragedy."
The police are asking for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who might have seen or heard anything unusual in the area. They are also looking for any relevant footage from doorbell cameras or dashcams.
