Police receive over 20 tips in 2001 Rotterdam cold case murder

Police say they have received over 20 tips in connection with the 2001 murder of Mariska Klompenhouwer in Rotterdam, which happened just before Queen’s Day. Since Sunday, authorities have renewed their appeal for information about the case.

Police say multiple tipsters have shared suspicions about who may have been involved. They also received new details about the car that may have been used in the crime. In addition, several women came forward with personal memories from that period, with some names being brought up in their accounts.

“The cold case team is impressed and expresses deep respect for these informants,” the police said. Some women spoke for the first time about what they experienced. Support is available for them.

The victim’s daughter is also impressed by what the appeal has triggered. She was 11 years old when her mother was killed. “Whether or not it turns out to be the golden tip, I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to share their story or information.”

Mariska Klompenhouwer, a 35-year-old single mother, was murdered during the evening hours of April 28, leading into April 29, 2001, after spending an evening out at a café on Hillevliet in Rotterdam-Zuid.

Police believe she may have entered a car with an unknown individual around 1 a.m. on Lange Hilleweg after failing to find a taxi. The person she left with is suspected of sexually assaulting her at the Ahoy parking lot, running her over, and then abandoning her.

The Public Prosecution Service has raised the reward for the key tip from 11,000 euros to 25,000 euros.