Suspect in Fatal Stabbing in Nieuwegein Claims Hallucinations During Attack
Hamzah L., 29, allegedly experienced a psychosis and saw 'demons' prior to the attack on 11-year-old Sohani
The suspect in a fatal stabbing incident in Nieuwegein has claimed he was hallucinating when he attacked an 11-year-old girl on the street in February.
During the initial pro forma court hearing, 29-year-old Hamzah L. stated that drug use led to his psychotic state, during which he perceived 'demons'.
'I believed it was real,' he explained.
The victim, identified as Sohani, was en route to a friend's house when she was assaulted with a knife.
One of her peers who witnessed the incident contacted the police.
Emergency services found Sohani in critical condition, but attempts to save her were unsuccessful.
Shortly after the attack, law enforcement apprehended a suspect near the scene.
L. holds both Dutch and Moroccan nationality and is from Nieuwegein.
According to local residents, there had been prior warnings regarding his erratic behavior.
L.'s attorney has requested further investigation into the circumstances leading up to the stabbing, emphasizing that he had been wandering the streets in a severely confused state for some time prior to the incident.
The defense seeks to understand why intervention was not undertaken sooner.
Prior to the stabbing, L. was receiving treatment at Fivoor, a mental health institution.
A staff member from the facility had interacted with L. shortly before the attack and reported that he appeared to be in a stable condition at that time, according to statements made in court.
L. reportedly did not know Sohani personally.
In a statement made in February, L. claimed he had no recollection of the events surrounding the attack, but he expressed that he is gradually remembering more details.
'I am truly devastated.
I can no longer look at myself,' he stated.
On the request of the victim's family, L. was present in the courtroom.
He expressed profound regret to Sohani's parents, acknowledging that his apologies could not rectify the tragedy.
The police investigation into the stabbing is nearing completion.
L. remains in preliminary custody and is scheduled to be admitted to the Pieter Baan Centre for psychiatric evaluation in June, with results expected in September.
The next preparatory hearing is set for July 16, with the substantive proceedings likely to commence in the fall.
During the initial pro forma court hearing, 29-year-old Hamzah L. stated that drug use led to his psychotic state, during which he perceived 'demons'.
'I believed it was real,' he explained.
The victim, identified as Sohani, was en route to a friend's house when she was assaulted with a knife.
One of her peers who witnessed the incident contacted the police.
Emergency services found Sohani in critical condition, but attempts to save her were unsuccessful.
Shortly after the attack, law enforcement apprehended a suspect near the scene.
L. holds both Dutch and Moroccan nationality and is from Nieuwegein.
According to local residents, there had been prior warnings regarding his erratic behavior.
L.'s attorney has requested further investigation into the circumstances leading up to the stabbing, emphasizing that he had been wandering the streets in a severely confused state for some time prior to the incident.
The defense seeks to understand why intervention was not undertaken sooner.
Prior to the stabbing, L. was receiving treatment at Fivoor, a mental health institution.
A staff member from the facility had interacted with L. shortly before the attack and reported that he appeared to be in a stable condition at that time, according to statements made in court.
L. reportedly did not know Sohani personally.
In a statement made in February, L. claimed he had no recollection of the events surrounding the attack, but he expressed that he is gradually remembering more details.
'I am truly devastated.
I can no longer look at myself,' he stated.
On the request of the victim's family, L. was present in the courtroom.
He expressed profound regret to Sohani's parents, acknowledging that his apologies could not rectify the tragedy.
The police investigation into the stabbing is nearing completion.
L. remains in preliminary custody and is scheduled to be admitted to the Pieter Baan Centre for psychiatric evaluation in June, with results expected in September.
The next preparatory hearing is set for July 16, with the substantive proceedings likely to commence in the fall.
