Man jailed for 12 years over fatal supermarket shooting in Vlissingen

The Breda District Court has handed a 24-year-old man, Jordy C., a 12-year prison sentence for a fatal shooting at a supermarket in Vlissingen on June 22 last year. The victim, 44-year-old Thomas van Wanrooij, died as a result of the attack.

Late in the morning, C. fired two shots at the victim inside the entrance area of the Jumbo supermarket in the Papegaaienburg shopping centre. The victim later died from the injuries sustained.

The shooting was preceded by an argument in the supermarket involving two women, the girlfriend of C., and the girlfriend of the victim’s son. The dispute led Van Wanrooij to travel to the store, where he reportedly assaulted C.

After staff escorted the individuals toward the exit, the shooting occurred. C. was reportedly standing less than a meter from the victim when he fired at his upper body. A second shot was fired moments later as the victim moved toward the suspect from behind.

The court, in line with the Public Prosecution Service (OM), concluded that the case constitutes manslaughter rather than murder, as there was insufficient evidence that C. intended to kill the victim. The defense argued that C. acted in self-defense, but the court rejected that claim.

The OM had recommended 14 years in prison. The court considered that C. has slightly diminished criminal responsibility, noting findings that he has an immature personality and limited intellectual functioning. Experts have assessed the risk of reoffending as high. As a result, the court imposed an additional measure requiring treatment and supervision following his prison term.

The victim’s parents, sister, and eldest son have called the court’s ruling a major disappointment. “Together with their victims’ lawyer, they primarily believe this was clearly murder,” says a spokesperson for Namens de Familie. “The fact that the prison sentence is also two years lower than the recommendation is a significant letdown.”