Suspect in Herkenbosch killing also linked to his mother’s disappearance

Authorities have made public a photograph of Daniel B., who is in custody for the killing of 66-year-old Paul Vossen in Herkenbosch, Limburg province. Investigators suspect the German-Polish man could also be connected to his mother’s disappearance. They released his image in the hope that witnesses will provide additional details about her fate.

Authorities believe the woman, 69 at the time of her disappearance last year, was killed through violence, allegedly with her son playing a role. Speaking on Opsporing Verzocht, a police spokesperson described the decision to publish his photograph as highly unusual.

Police discovered plastic bags in a storage facility owned by the 49-year-old son in Germany. Inside were a sheet, a pillow, a shirt, and sections of a mattress stained with what authorities described as "large quantities of blood" belonging to his mother. Investigators also found shovels and a rake that could have been used in her burial.

Vossen was killed in September in the garden of his home on Landelaan. Ten days afterward, officers detained B. in Montfort, Limburg province, where he was taken into custody. He has denied any involvement. Earlier this year, during an initial court hearing, the Public Prosecution Service stated that the weapon used in the killing had likely not been recovered. Investigators have not yet determined a clear motive.

The suspect’s mother lived a nomadic existence, spending time in countries including the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland. Investigators have indicated they believe she may have been buried. Authorities called on people in Herkenbosch and Montfort to watch for signs of disturbed soil in wooded areas.