Man (78) of woman who disappeared thirty years ago arrested on suspicion of murder (Sint-Martens-Latem)

The husband of Annie De Poortere, the 48-year-old woman who disappeared without a trace in 1994, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. This is reported by the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office.

Last Saturday, during excavation work, the remains of a body were found behind a garage of a family home in Sint-Martens-Latem.

Based on several strong indications, the public prosecutor’s office assumes that the remains belong to the then 48-year-old neighbor who was reported missing in 1994. Further scientific research by experts will take place to confirm this identification.

After the discovery of the remains, the public prosecutor’s office requested an investigating judge to investigate the circumstances of the death. 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 classified as murder. He will have to appear before the council chamber within a maximum of 5 days, which will decide on his further detention. Further investigation will have to reveal what his actual role was in the victim’s death.

In the interest of finding the truth, the content of the file will not be discussed further.