Three arrested after suspected violent robbery leaves woman, 80, dead in Amsterdam

The police have arrested three suspects after an investigation into the death of an 80-year-old in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. The police suspect that the woman may have been the victim of a violent robbery.

The deceased victim was found in her home on the Wittgensteinlaan on Wednesday afternoon, August 13, after she had failed to appear at an appointment.

The suspects, who were arrested on Tuesday, were a 19-year-old woman from Zaandam, a 20-year-old man from Amsterdam, and a 23-year-old man from Amsterdam. The three are in full isolation, meaning they are only allowed contact with their lawyer.

More arrests have not been ruled out by the police. Several buildings were searched on Wednesday, and a vehicle was seized by officers.

The victim was named Irene. “She was a central figure in this building,” Tjeerd Terpstra, Irene’s neighbor, who knew her for 31 years. “A very beloved neighbor who was fully engaged in life.”

Terpstra’s wife played the game Wordfeud with Irene at around noon on August 13. “We believe it happened between noon and three p.m.,” said Terpstra to Het Parool.

According to Terpstra, Irene was always very cautious. “She would never open the door for someone she didn’t know,” he says. “We think the door was open, either because of the heat or because construction workers were working in the building.”

The apartment building is located on the corner of Wittgensteinlaan. It borders the water and a small bridge that leads directly to the gates of Heemstedestraat metro station. According to one neighbor, it’s a route frequented by many people. “Sometimes people entered the building who didn’t live here. There were occasional reminders to make sure the door was properly closed.”