Family of Oosterhout shooting victim suspects mistaken identity in fatal attack
The family of one of the victims in the deadly shooting in Oosterhout on Friday, March 28, 2025, suspects the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity, RTL reports. The investigation into the shooting, which left two men, both 32, dead and a third, a 25-year-old from Oosterhout, critically wounded, is ongoing. Authorities are focusing on uncovering the perpetrators, while the family of one victim insists the attack was not meant for him.
The incident occurred in broad daylight when Yasin, a 32-year-old Turkish-Dutch man, was shot as he walked to his car after a visit to a local barbershop and sandwich shop. He attempted to flee but crashed soon after, succumbing to his injuries. A few minutes later, his friend, Yassin, 32, a Moroccan-Dutch man, arrived at the scene with his 25-year-old nephew. Yassin was also shot and killed, and his nephew was critically injured.
The police have formed a large-scale investigation team and are searching for the gunmen. Police spokesperson Eric Passchier confirmed that video footage of the shooters exists. "We are currently analyzing it," Passchier said. Additionally, despite conducting two underwater searches in nearby waters, no significant leads have been found.
Mistaken identity?
While both Yasin and Yassin had criminal ties, rumors in Oosterhout point to the possibility that the shooting may have been intended for someone else. Several sources suggested to RTL that the attack could have been aimed at a different, larger drug dealer in the area.
Yasin's family, represented by lawyer Peter Schouten, believes the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. "The family finds the theory of a mistaken murder more plausible than the idea that Yasin was the intended target," Schouten told RTL. "I will do everything I can to help bring the truth to light and assist the police in their investigation." The police have confirmed that mistaken identity is one of the scenarios under investigation, but they are exploring other possibilities as well.
In a related development, Yassin had recently been sentenced for street-level drug dealing. His lawyer, Joris Kersemaekers, revealed that Yassin was arrested in March 2022 for selling small amounts of cocaine. While the Public Prosecutor did not recommend jail time, the court sentenced him to 11 months. "It was a disappointment for Yassin," Kersemaekers said. "We were considering appealing the decision. What stands out for me is that Yassin had not had any issues with the law between his suspension and the court's ruling, which indicated he was trying to turn his life around."
Following the attack, videos circulated showing a Volkswagen Golf riddled with bullets, and a doorbell camera captured the moment of the shooting. Firearms expert Jas van Riel, after reviewing the footage, concluded that "semi-automatic fire was used, not fully automatic."
The suspects fled in a car, which was later found in nearby Teteringen. The car reportedly contained jerrycans of gasoline, possibly intended to set the vehicle on fire. Authorities believe the suspects may have escaped on electric scooters.
