OM demands thirty years in prison and compulsory treatment for Fouad L.

On Thursday, the public prosecutor demanded thirty years in prison and compulsory treatment for Fouad L. The former medical student is on trial for the murders of his neighbour Marlous, her 14-year-old daughter Romy, and lecturer Jurgen Damen, as well as for arson and threats at Erasmus MC.

Fouad L. appeared in court this week for the events of 28 September 2023. L. killed lecturer Jurgen Damen at Erasmus MC, set fire at the Education Centre, and threatened several people. Earlier that day, he had killed his neighbour Marlous and her 14-year-old daughter Romy and set fire to his own house.

L. was studying Medicine and had completed all the credits for his bachelor’s degree. His diploma was put on hold by the programme, which required him to undergo an assessment by a psychiatrist. At that time, there were already concerns regarding L. He caused disturbance to his neighbours, had been convicted of animal abuse, and had an alcohol addiction.

Partially accountable

On Thursday, the public prosecutor presented the sentence demanded: thirty years’ imprisonment and compulsory treatment. Life imprisonment is, according to the prosecutor, not an appropriate demand, as that would exclude the possibility of compulsory treatment.

According to the public prosecutor, L. had been planning ‘the operation’ for half a year already. On Thursday, footage was shown in court from the day of the murders. This included how L. entered the Gk building through the staff entrance and how he walked around in the Education Centre.

According to experts from the Pieter Baan Centre, L. is partially accountable. His autistic disorder may have influenced his actions.

'Immense sadness'

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the statements from survivors and surviving relatives made a significant impact. “I wish I could have learned so much more from him”, a student said during the trial regarding Jurgen Damen. “The moments I had with him, I will cherish forever.” And chair of the Executive Board Stefan Sleijfer described the impact that the events had on students and staff at Erasmus MC, referring to ‘immense sadness’.

The judge will deliver a verdict on 21 February.