Police name and release a photo of ninth suspect in the murder of Sherwin Peterhof
Dutch police have publicly named and released a photo of a 47-year-old man from Rotterdam as a suspect in the violent killing of Sherwin Peterhof, whose body was found in a cornfield near the Dutch border in Belgium in August, as authorities intensify an international search they believe has led to Suriname.
Authorities are seeking Hugo Ruimwijk from Rotterdam as a suspect in the death of Sherwin Peterhof, 41. Authorities believe that Ruimwijk fled to Suriname shortly after Peterhof's death. Investigators are also considering the possibility that he continued on to neighboring Guyana or French Guiana.
The Public Prosecution Service announced a reward of 7,500 euros for information that leads to Ruimwijk’s arrest. Dutch investigators have strong indications that he is currently in Suriname, where a delegation from the Dutch investigation team is working with local authorities to coordinate the search. Police in Guyana and French Guiana have also been asked to be alert for the suspect.
Peterhof’s body was found in mid-August in a cornfield in Belgium, just across the border. A friend had reported him missing three days earlier. Investigators determined that Peterhof had been in a home at the Bijlmerplein in Amsterdam Zuidoost shortly before his death and believe he may have been killed there. Police say the investigation also involves allegations that suspects attempted to dispose of his body.
Ruimwijk is now the ninth suspect publicly linked to the case, according to police. In November, authorities released the names and photos of two other suspects, also offering a reward of 7,500 euros per suspect. Shortly after, a 57-year-old woman from Amsterdam and a 42-year-old man from Rotterdam voluntarily turned themselves in to police in Suriname. Both have since been extradited to the Netherlands. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, police arrested another suspect, a 51-year-old man from Vlaardingen.
Police are urging anyone who recognizes Ruimwijk or has information that could lead to his arrest to come forward. Tips can be submitted via the Dutch police tip line at 0800-6070 or through the online tip form.
Those wishing to speak confidentially can contact Team Nationale Inlichtingen at 088-661-7734, which can refer callers to specialized witness or criminal intelligence teams. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000.
People in Suriname, Guyana, or French Guiana with information about Ruimwijk or the investigation into Peterhof’s death are asked to contact Korps Politie Suriname, referencing the Bijzonder Onderzoek Team, at +597-8308412.
