Erasmus medical student who killed 3 in Rotterdam blames imaginary computer in court
Fouad L., the suspect accused of a deadly shooting spree in Rotterdam last year, appeared in court for the first time on Monday. The 33-year-old claims his actions were influenced by an imaginary entity he calls a "computer" in his mind, according to statements made by his attorney.
Fouad L. is accused of murdering his 39-year-old neighbor Marlous, her 14-year-old daughter Romy, and 43-year-old Erasmus Medical Center lecturer and physician Jurgen Damen. The incidents occurred on September 28, 2023, in the Delfshaven neighborhood and later in a classroom at the Erasmus Medical Center.
Psychological assessments conducted at the Pieter Baan Center revealed that L. claimed to have had "discussions and arguments" with the imagined "computer," which he says fueled his desire for revenge. The prosecution interprets these interactions as internal dialogues regarding how many victims were necessary to satisfy his anger.
L.’s attorney argued that he acted under coercion, unable to resist the directives of what he called "the partition," a term he uses for the supposed computer in his head. According to the defense, the "partition" compelled him to carry out the murders. "He did not want to commit the murders," the lawyer said. "He had no choice."
The attorney also read a statement from L. during the hearing. "I wanted to avoid harm, but I could not," L. allegedly said. He claims to have negotiated with the "partition" in an attempt to minimize casualties but ultimately followed through under its pressure.
The suspect’s grievances reportedly stem from his dismissal from medical school at Erasmus University. He was denied a diploma due to complaints about his behavior, including allegations of harassment and intimidation. Marlous, one of the victims, had reportedly raised concerns about L. in the past.
Court records indicate that L. had previous encounters with law enforcement, including convictions for animal abuse and reports of alcohol misuse, intimidation, and disputes.
The defense requested additional behavioral studies to determine the extent of L.’s mental control by the "partition," a motion previously denied by the examining magistrate. L. supported his attorney’s demand, stating, "The investigation must be complete."
The court has scheduled the trial for January 27–31, 2025. Monday's hearing focused on procedural matters rather than substantive evidence.
