Julie Van Espen was raped and killed on May 4, 2019 in Antwerp by Steve Bakelmans, a man already convicted several times for theft, threats and traffic violations, but also twice for rape.
This forty-year-old, homeless, had been sleeping for some time under a bridge spanning a cycle path in Merksem. That evening, when he noticed the international relations student, he knocked her off her bike. During the investigation and then during the trial, Steve Bakelmans admitted to having punched the victim several times in the face to keep her quiet. He said he dragged her to where he was sleeping, partially undressed her and then raped and strangled her.
In 2017, the Antwerp criminal court sentenced Steve Bakelmans to four years in prison for rape but his immediate arrest was not ordered. He appealed his conviction and while awaiting an appeal judgment, which had still not been reached on May 4, 2019, Steve Bakelmans was released.
The case was not considered a priority at the court of appeal. The case was due to be heard on May 9, 2018 but was postponed for organizational reasons. In July of the same year, it was decided to temporarily suspend the operation of the chamber before which Steve Bakelmans was due to appear due to a lack of staff.
On May 4, 2019, the day of Julie Van Espen’s assassination in Merksem, the file was still not processed.
Belgium
