Justice in Belgium arrested a suspect on Wednesday evening in connection with the murder of lawyer Claudia van der Stichelen. She did not reveal anything about the identity of the perpetrator or his motive.
by Joost van der Wegen
Image: emergency services present after the murder of lawyer Van der Stichelen in Flanders
Arrest
The public prosecutor’s office in East Flanders confirmed in a message on Wednesday evening that someone was arrested this evening in connection with the murder of the lawyer, who was killed on Saturday, October 28. She indicates that in the interest of the investigation, no more information can be provided at this time.
Displeasure
The suspect is being interrogated, the public prosecutor’s office reports. VRT news indicates that it knows more about his identity. ‘The man is said to have been under the lawyer’s guardianship and had expressed his dissatisfaction about her and her work on social media.’
A search was also carried out last night at the man’s home in Vlierzele. Items were seized during the search.
Speed
The shooting took place on October 28 around 1:20 PM, in front of the Flammee-Van Der Stichelen law firm in Sint-Lievens-Houtem in East Flanders. The lawyer was rushed to hospital, but died shortly afterwards from her injuries. Her son was also hit and was also taken to hospital.
Van Der Stichelen specialized in divorce cases. Immediately after the shooting, eyewitnesses saw a man in gray overalls and a backpack walking away. The police started a manhunt for the perpetrator.
