Former partner (78) of Annie De Poortere ‘makes partial confessions’ after arrest, thirty years after her disappearance

This weekend the remains of a body were found in Sint-Martens-Latem during renovation work. That happened right next to the house where Annie De Poortere used to live with her husband. She disappeared in 1994, at the age of 48. According to the public prosecutor’s office, there are “indications” that it could be her. DNA research must now show whether it is actually Annie De Poortere.

An investigating judge was summoned to investigate the death and the woman’s relatives and family were informed. “This investigation has now led to the arrest of a 78-year-old man, the then partner of the victim. After thorough interrogation by the police services, the investigating judge decided to bring the man to trial and subsequently arrest him under electronic surveillance for acts that are provisionally qualified as murder,” the public prosecutor’s office reports.

According to the Gazette of Antwerp the man is said to have made partial confessions during the interrogations. “I buried my wife there in that spot in the garden,” he is said to have said. However, it is not yet clear how she died. He would not have confessed to killing her. The public prosecutor’s office does not want to confirm the confession.

The man will appear before the Ghent council chamber within five days, which will decide on his further arrest. “In the interest of finding the truth, the content of the file will not be discussed further,” the public prosecutor’s office says. The results of the autopsy on the remains and DNA testing are not yet known.

‘Finally a shot in the arm’

The suspect had always stated that just before the disappearance he had called a psychiatric hospital to have her admitted. De Poortere is said to have been depressed for some time and had a relapse that day. Tips came in that the woman might have started a new life in Calpe, Spain, but that track was never confirmed.

Karina De Poortere, the victim’s sister, responds the Gazet van Antwerpen surprised at the news of his arrest. “I am happy because the case is finally moving forward and answers will finally be provided,” she told the newspaper. “Why wasn’t this possible 30 years ago? Now I want to know what his exact role is in the disappearance and death of my sister.”