Man accused of killing his mother during Almere robbery faces 15 years in prison

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has demanded 15 years in prison against a man suspected of killing his mother in her home in Almere and then robbing her in May 2022. According to the OM, the 55-year-old man from Lelystad was stealing from his mother to buy drugs and killed her when she caught him in the act.

The 77-year-old woman was found dead in her bed on 28 May 2022. While there were no signs of forced entry, several items were missing from her home, prompting the police to further investigate her death. The autopsy showed that the woman had likely been suffocated.

The victim’s 55-year-old son was arrested in September 2022. According to the OM, the man went to his mother’s house during the night of 27 to 28 May to look for money. “It is likely that he was caught by his mother, who was already in bed, and that this confrontation resulted in the violent death of the woman to conceal the theft.”

Evidence against the man includes that his car was parked near his mother’s home on the night of her death and DNA found on her pajamas and two pillows. Investigation showed that the suspect’s car drove back from Almere to Lelystad after the woman’s death and slowed down at a specific location. “The victim’s stolen handbag and telephone were later found on the shoulder of the highway around this location.” According to the OM, the man also changed his statements several times after being confronted with evidence and demonstrably lied about his alibi and possessing a key to his mother’s house.

“Looking at the entire file, the OM believes it was the suspect who was responsible for his mother’s death,” the OM said. “The OM sees the suspect’s drug addiction as a motive. The investigation showed that the man was fervently looking for money in the period surrounding his mother’s death. After he returned to Lelystad that night, he also immediately bought drugs.”

The OM found no evidence that the man planned to kill his mother, which is why he is charged with qualified manslaughter - manslaughter with the aim of concealing another crime - and not murder.

The court will rule on June 28.