Dutch Teen Arrested After Parents Found Fatally Stabbed in Meerstad Home
A 15-year-old girl in the Netherlands has been arrested after her parents were found fatally stabbed inside their home in Meerstad, a village near Groningen.
The deadly incident happened in the early hours of June 18, according to reports from Dutch media. The victims have been identified as Johan Enting and Mathilda Diemel, both 53.
Authorities are treating the case as a suspected double murder. Police have confirmed that a minor is in custody, but they have not released a motive. Because the suspect is underage, officials have shared limited details publicly.
Dutch News reported that the teenager is suspected of attacking both parents inside the family home. The family’s golden retriever was also reportedly stabbed during the incident.
The case has rattled the local community, not only because of the deaths, but also because of what allegedly happened afterward. According to the Telegraaf, the suspect is accused of taking photographs of the victims after the attack and sending them to classmates through WhatsApp.
Authorities have warned anyone who received or still has those images not to share them. Police have urged people to hand the material over to investigators instead.
Classmates and neighbors have since described troubling behavior they say they noticed before the killings. One student told media outlets the girl “wore a tail, dog ears, and gloves” and would “crawl around on all fours and bark while running through the school corridors,” according to AOL.
Neighbors also described seeing the teenager outside at night, allegedly acting like a dog, sitting on fences and shed roofs, and hiding in bushes. Some said the behavior appeared to worsen over time.
Reports have also said the girl had previously identified as a boy and later as a dog. Police have not said whether any of that is connected to the killings, and no official motive has been announced.
Family and friends of Johan Enting and Mathilda Diemel released a statement after the deaths, saying they are “deeply affected by the tragic events surrounding the passing of Johan and Mathilda from Meerstad” and “can hardly comprehend” what happened.
They also thanked the public for the support they have received during an unbearable time.
The investigation remains active. Dutch authorities are continuing to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and determine what led to the fatal attack inside the Meerstad home.