Man, 57, sentenced to 10 years in prison for murdering his girlfriend in Heemskerk

The court in Haarlem sentenced 57-year-old Marco S. to 10 years in prison on Thursday for the murder of his 60-year-old girlfriend in Heemskerk in December 2023. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) had also recommended that the suspect undergo involuntary psychiatric treatment at a tbs facility. The court did not enforce this measure, as it was not determined that the suspect’s disorders were not connected to the murder.

In addition, the court also stated that, despite his alcohol addiction and past violent convictions, it is not clear that S. currently poses a threat. "If this cannot be established, the court cannot impose a tbs measure." Experts have also been unable to assess the likelihood of reoffending, and earlier reports of domestic violence by the suspect were not thoroughly investigated.

Officers found the victim’s body in a puddle of blood in the living room of her home during the evening hours of December 2, leading into December 3. According to the court, she died due to the “severe violence that the suspect inflicted on her.” The woman sustained injuries to her head, stomach, and ribs.

S.’s DNA was found on the victim’s body, including in her injuries. S. maintains that he is innocent and that he was asleep when the woman was killed. The court criticized him for failing to be forthcoming about the events.

During the hearing two weeks ago, the woman’s family said they saw a "pattern of femicide," claiming that S. had isolated, abused, and ultimately killed her.

Femicide in the Netherlands has gained increasing attention in recent weeks, after the murder of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude caused uproar throughout the country. Authorities and activists have highlighted the gendered nature of lethal violence against women. Efforts to address the issue include improved risk assessment tools, specialized support for victims, and national campaigns to raise awareness of the warning signs of violence against women.