Schiedam community gathers in shock after teen’s fatal stabbing; silent march planned

Residents gathered Wednesday evening for a community meeting in Schiedam following the fatal stabbing of 13-year-old Joni in the Sveaparken neighborhood. The meeting, attended by approximately 30 to 35 people, provided a space for locals to express their grief and speak with counselors. A silent march in Joni's memory is planned for Saturday.

The municipality organized the meeting, bringing together concerned residents who voiced their fears and disbelief. Many questioned how such violence could occur in their neighborhood. "We walk there every day with the dog. My daughter goes there alone often," said a worried mother. "It's just so shocking because the suspect is the same age as her."

Young residents also shared their unease. "I found it really strange what happened, but the police reassured me," said an 11-year-old girl who attended. However, concerns about safety linger. Victim support services reported that several residents feel less safe since the incident.

Mayor Cor Lamers was present to listen to concerns. A municipal spokesperson described the gathering as calm but emphasized that the community remains deeply shaken.

In response, the city and police have pledged increased patrols in the neighborhood with officers and municipal enforcers. "It's a question for all of us how we guide our youth toward a better future," said Mayor Harald Bergmann. "We need to stay on top of this and make sure everyone here can grow up safely."

The 13-year-old suspect, a classmate of Joni, remains in custody. Both were first-year students at the same secondary school. A judge extended the suspect's pretrial detention by two weeks on Wednesday. His attorney, Cem Polat, stated that his client acted in self-defense. Polat refuted claims that Joni was pressured into criminal activities, stating, "That does not correspond with what is reported in the files. My client was open during questioning by the police and also explained that he defended himself."

Initial reports suggest that Joni may have been targeted because he regretted his involvement in an earlier attempted street robbery. During that incident, a 65-year-old woman was stabbed. Witnesses previously told RTL Nieuws that Joni was killed after expressing remorse over the attempted robbery.

The silent march in Joni's honor will take place Saturday evening. Participants are asked to gather at 7 p.m. at the parking lot on Bachplein in Schiedam, with the march beginning at 7:15 p.m. and proceeding to Fjorddal. Attendees are encouraged to wear white clothing or accessories and bring a white rose or balloon.