15-year-old girl suspected of murdering parents in Groningen remains in custody

A 15-year-old girl from Meerstad, in Groningen province, has been formally named as a suspect in the deaths of her parents and is being investigated for double murder. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) said she appeared before an examining magistrate, who ordered that she remain in detention for at least two more weeks while the investigation continues.

Both of the girls’ parents were 53. By pursuing a murder charge, prosecutors are indicating that they suspect the killings were premeditated. However, the OM has not disclosed any additional information about the investigation, including why it believes there was prior intent or why it is not treating the case as manslaughter, which typically involves a fatal act committed impulsively rather than as part of a planned action.

The 15-year-old remains in custody under a regime of strict restrictions, meaning she is only permitted to communicate with her attorney. Authorities have not disclosed whether she has admitted to the killings.

According to accounts from classmates and other teenagers interviewed by multiple media organisations, the suspect is alleged to have shared images showing her parents after their deaths.

The OM and local officials have issued an urgent appeal for people, particularly schoolchildren, not to circulate the graphic images. Authorities say any such material should be handed over solely to the police to assist the investigation.

Officers discovered the bodies of the 53-year-old husband and wife at their home on Meerhoven at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Thursday, after being called to the property during the night. The 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody in the vicinity of the home shortly after the bodies were found, during the same night.

Investigators also found a dog in the house that appeared to have suffered stab wounds. The animal was taken into the care of the animal ambulance service, while a cat found at the property was safely removed by police.