Minister calls reports around Lelystad murder "disturbing"

Minister Sander Dekker for Legal Protection called reports that psychiatric prisoners may be involved in the killing of a 72-year-old man in his Lelystad apartment "disturbing".

The victim was found dead in his home on Sunday. The police believe he was killed somewhere during the weekend of April 19th to 21st. Two men aged 48 and 35 from Almere were arrested for involvement in his murder.

According to newspaper De Telegraaf, 48-year-old Jan van K. was a psychiatric prisoner who was recently released. And 35-year-old Michael B. is currently serving a sentence of institutionalized psychiatric treatment, but was out on leave during the time of the murder.

A third suspect, a 30-year-old man from Almere, was arrested on Wednesday night. He is suspected of being in possession of stolen goods - he had the victim's phone in his possession, according to newspaper AD.

Minister Dekker said he understands that this case is raising questions. "It is important to first find out what exactly happened here", he said in a letter to parliament. He can say little more about the case, as the criminal investigation is still ongoing. "I'm following it closely and we will find out what happened. That is important for the relatives and for society", Dekker tweeted.

If what the Telegraaf reports is true, this will be a serious embarrassment for Minister Sander Dekker for Legal Protection. He recently survived a debate on mistakes made in the treatment of Michael P., who raped and murdered 25-year-old Anne Faber while being a patient at a psychiatric clinic in Den Dolder. Last month the Minister was discredited again when a psychiatric prisoner was caught trading firearms from inside a clinic.