Claudia Van Der Stichelen was murdered on Saturday, October 28, with a shot in the back at her villa in Sint-Lievens-Houtem. Her 22-year-old son, who tried to intervene, was also injured. He was able to leave the hospital after several operations.
In recent days, investigators have been searching with all their might for a trace. Shortly after the facts, a police helicopter even went into the air to find the man. Meanwhile, who had murdered the lawyer remained a mystery. The only certain thing was that the perpetrator was wearing green-blue overalls, a backpack and boots at the time of the offense. “The man is probably between 60 and 65 years old. He is 1.80 meters tall, of normal build, balding with short gray hair and speaks Flemish,” the federal police stated in an investigation report. Based on testimonies, a robot photo of the shooter was also taken. But the tips that came in yielded nothing.
Today a suspect was arrested. Annelies Verstraete of the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office confirms this. Who it is and what his motive is remains unclear at the moment. He would be suspected of murder and attempted murder.
The interrogation of the suspect should provide more clarity. After the interrogation, it will be decided whether the man will be brought to trial, possibly for murder of the lawyer and attempted murder of her son, before the investigating judge in Oudenaarde.
The East Flemish public prosecutor’s office will only be able to provide more information about the case on Thursday.
Tags: Suspect arrested investigation murder lawyer Claudia Van Der Stichelen SintLievensHoutem
