Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of 21-year-old in The Hague
A 21-year-old man from The Hague has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Titas, also 21 and a resident of the city, on Friday evening. Police said the suspect was taken into custody on Sunday, April 20, following a large-scale criminal investigation. Police also located and seized a black Citroën C1 believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle.
The suspect is being held in full restriction, meaning he may only communicate with his attorney. The police and Public Prosecution Service are being cautious about releasing further details while the investigation continues.
The victim, Titas, was shot around 7:50 p.m. on Friday, April 18, at the corner of Paets van Troostwijkstraat and Oudemansstraat, in the Laak district of The Hague. He sustained critical gunshot wounds to his side and upper legs—areas where major arteries are located—and was rushed to the hospital. He died later that evening.
According to law enforcement, Titas does not appear to have been randomly targeted, though investigators have not disclosed any motive. “The role of the arrested suspect is under investigation. More arrests are not ruled out,” police said in a statement.
A growing memorial of flowers now marks the patch of grass where Titas collapsed, AD reports. Friends and passersby have gathered to pay their respects. One young man who stopped to pray at the site told AD that he had been spending time with Titas’s family since the incident. He described Titas as “really a good guy” who looked after his family and others around him. He said he couldn’t understand why someone would want to kill him.
Titas’s father, speaking Friday night, responded with frustration to suggestions that the shooting may have involved a drug deal. “That’s what people in the Netherlands always think—it must be about drugs,” he said. He explained that his son had earned his taxi license a year ago and was focused on building his future.
Though police have not confirmed any connection to organized crime, residents and patrons of the café near the scene expressed concern about rising violence. “He was only 21. That’s still so very young,” said one café visitor to AD. Another remarked, “There needs to be serious intervention.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information is urged to contact the National Criminal Investigation Hotline at 0800-6070. Anonymous tips can be shared via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000. The Criminal Intelligence Team (TCI) can also be reached at 088-9645044. People with video or image evidence can upload it through the police tip form, which also allows for anonymous submissions.
