Two men acquitted in Eindhoven fatal shooting after police fail to identify shooter
A court in Oost-Brabant has acquitted two men, aged 27 and 31, of a fatal shooting that occurred in July 2023 on Heezerweg in Eindhoven. Investigators could not determine who fired the deadly shot or the exact circumstances of the encounter.
The men had arranged to meet the victim, to whom they had previously sold a stolen car. During the meeting, the victim was struck by a single gunshot that proved fatal. The court found that the men’s accounts of the incident contradicted each other, each blaming the other for the shooting.
“One of the men must have shot the victim,” the court said, “but despite extensive police investigation, there is no objective evidence showing exactly what happened or who fired the shot.” The judges noted that it is also unclear whether any arrangements were made before the meeting regarding the use of a firearm.
The court emphasized the difficulty of the outcome for the victim’s family. “We understand that this result is very unsatisfactory and painful for the relatives,” the judges stated. “It is also hard to explain to the public that the suspects are acquitted, while it can be established that one of them fired the shot. In Dutch criminal law, however, a suspect can only be convicted if there is lawful and convincing evidence of guilt. No reasonable doubt may exist about the perpetrator.”
While acquitted of murder, the men were convicted of other crimes. The 27-year-old received a 24-month prison sentence for car theft and possession of a machine gun and ammunition. The 31-year-old received four months for his role in the stolen car transaction.
