Laura Trappeniers, 66, and Marc Olbrechts, 77, a retired Belgian couple, had been living in Tenerife for several years. Last seen on April 22, 2024, a search notice was issued two days later.
Only on April 27, investigators found the mutilated body of Laura Trappeniers in the Atlantic Ocean. The Hal-Vilvoorde public prosecutor’s office had opened a investigation. Since then, new revelations about the motive of the crime took place.
Couple held captive in Tenerife
As part of the investigation, three Belgian nationals were arrested. One in Spain, the other two in Belgium. Suspects housed by a third party in the Villette district, behind Charleroi-Central station. A father and son now suspected of having kidnapped, murdered and dismembered the retired couple. Presumed murderers who fled as soon as Laura Trappeniers’ body was discovered in the Atlantic Ocean.
Presumption of innocence
Both originally from Mons, Belgium, the father is a former restaurateur. His lawyer, Maître Cochez, claims that his client denies any involvement in these murders. Moreover, the man also refuses his extradition to Spain where the crimes took place. He fears he will not receive a fair trial in Spain ” he stressed. ” He feels that the Spanish justice system wants to deal quickly with this “highly publicized” case. ” he continued. According to him, the man “works hard” and has no criminal record or legal history. ” It is very strange that such a person would suddenly commit a double murder. ” he insisted.
Possible extradition to Spain
On the investigators’ side, hypotheses are beginning to emerge. Is this a dispute? An involvement in particular networks? These recent arrests allow new revelations about the motive. It would seem that it is mainly a question of money. The restaurateur is said to have transported the bodies in his vehicle, a Renault Clio. The remains were then transferred to another vehicle. On July 4, 2024, the Brussels council chamber will examine their extradition to Spain. Which the suspects firmly refuse.
