Psychotic break likely in man who tried to kill his children in Moergestel

A 49-year-old man who allegedly tried to kill his two young children in his home in Moergestel in December had been suffering from insomnia for over six months and may have been in a psychosis when he committed the violence, his lawyer says.

Mourad Z. appeared Wednesday at the first public hearing in his case at Breda court. He acknowledges responsibility for his actions toward his 6- and 7-year-old children and wishes to share his account mainly with the behavioral experts assessing him. He also plans to make a statement during the full trial later this year. His lawyer said he will request that the trial be held behind closed doors to protect the children.

Z. is accused of stabbing his young son and daughter and attempting to strangle them. Afterwards, he got into his car and became involved in a wrong-way accident on the A58, leaving him and three others injured.

The children were with him under a visitation arrangement, following his divorce from their mother. Z.’s lawyer emphasizes that it must be considered that he may have driven the wrong way unintentionally.

Following tips from relatives, police discovered the injured children at the man’s residence on Janus Rooijakkersstraat. The girl has largely recovered, but the boy is still struggling with his injuries.

The upcoming preparatory session is scheduled for June 4. Z. will stay in detention at least until then.