Man, 26, facing 18 years in prison for alleged murder and attempted strangulation

Bretly D., accused of killing a man in Rotterdam and attempting to strangle a man in Zutphen, is facing 18 years in prison and involuntary psychiatric treatment at a tbs facility. D. has been diagnosed with multiple disorders, which, despite years of treatment, appear to have only worsened.

The 26-year-old is accused of killing the psychiatrist Jean van Griensven on October 13, 2023, after they had met up to have sex, and drugs had been taken that evening. D. had allegedly shot the victim in the head from close range before lighting the house on fire.

A few days later, he allegedly attacked a man in his home in Zutphen. After the incident, D. managed to evade the police for several days, who had launched a manhunt for him. He was eventually arrested on October 25 at a hotel in Amsterdam.

“For days, he was the most wanted person in the Netherlands. His full name was released, a photo circulated, and there was a reward of 25,000 euros for the golden tip. Exceptional, even for us,” said the prosecutor on Wednesday at the Rotterdam court. She strongly criticized him for failing to take responsibility “for his terrible act,” noting that he has barely said anything about the crimes he is accused of.

D. lost his temper several times during the reading of the prosecution’s sentence recommendation. “I didn’t strangle anyone,” he said. He also denied setting a fire.

On Monday, during the first day of the trial, he denied the entire incident in Zutphen. “This boy has a very vivid imagination. It’s lies from A to Z,” he said sharply. However, he did express regret to the relatives of Van Griensven. “I find it terrible, and I want to say sorry,” D. said. When asked exactly what he was sorry for, he gave no answer on Monday.

D. has been in contact with the police and other authorities on several occasions. He lived on the street from when he was 13 years of age and spent years in youth detention centers.

The suspect’s attorney pointed out his client’s traumatic youth, without going into too much detail. “He has been incredibly failed by society. He is not only a perpetrator but also a victim.” She believes treatment should start as soon as possible. “Does he first have to harden in prison for 18 years?” She called that “absurd” and “completely reprehensible.”

The court will announce its verdict on October 1.