Fouad L. sentenced to life: ‘You showed no hesitation or doubt’

Former medical student Fouad L. was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday. This was not what the Public Prosecution Service (OM) had demanded for the three murders, arson, multiple threats and possession of weapons. The OM had asked for thirty years and compulsory psychiatric treatment. “Life imprisonment is the only punishment that fits the suffering that has been inflicted”, the judge said about the ruling.

Premeditated, horrific, ruthless and calculated – this is how the judge described the actions of 34-year-old Fouad L. during the sentencing. On 28 September, the former medical student murdered three people. First, L. shot his 14-year-old neighbour Romy, then fired multiple shots at his neighbour and Romy’s mother Marlous. She died at the scene.

In a packed lecture room at Erasmus MC, L. shot lecturer and GP Jurgen Damen. Earlier that day, L. had checked whether Damen would be present. Damen died instantly. The 14-year-old Romy succumbed to her injuries later that day in hospital.

The attack caused mass panic in the hospital, as became clear from statements shared during the trial at the end of January. Students ran for their lives, nurses played hide-and-seek with children at the Sophia Children’s Hospital, attached to the Erasmus MC, and surgeons continued operating with the doors locked.

Detailed planning

The court found L. guilty of the three murders, arson, threatening students, extortion in obtaining an employee pass, and possession of weapons. In the ruling, the judge went over these charges one by one.

The murders and the attack on Erasmus MC were preceded by months of planning. L. initially described these as ‘fun fantasies’, but from March 2023 onwards, he meticulously prepared his actions. That month, L. was informed that he would have to undergo a psychological assessment before qualifying for his diploma. He had obtained all his study credits, albeit with significant delays – he had, for instance, been suspended for two years during his clinical rotations.

L. saw the examination board’s message as a sign that he would never receive his diploma. This enraged him. Shortly afterwards, he purchased weapons and aiming devices and renewed his university enrolment to maintain access to the buildings. Before the attack, L. practised aiming the firearms, and on the day itself, he checked whether Damen was present.

For the arson at Erasmus MC, he made Molotov cocktails – glass milk bottles filled with a flammable liquid. He taped sparklers to the bottles, believing they would create more sparks, L. explained during the hearing in January.

“You felt wronged and wanted to make a statement”, the judge summarised. “You remained in control and were fully aware of the horrific consequences.” According to the court, the crimes were so severe that a life sentence was the only appropriate punishment.

Little chance of early pardon

The OM had demanded 30 years and compulsory psychiatric treatment for Fouad L., as this would keep him out of society for as long as possible. The judge stated that psychiatric treatment focuses on reintegration into society. The court sees no possibility of preparing for such a return, the judge said while looking at L.

With a life sentence, a convict can apply for a pardon after 25 years, which triggers an investigation, the judge explained. A visit to the Pieter Baan Centre is part of this assessment. Relatives of the victims and others involved will also be consulted. Such pardons ‘are extremely rare’, the judge emphasised.

No hesitation

The judge did not only hold L. accountable for the murders and the long-term planning. His complete lack of remorse had already been noted during the hearing in late January. Regarding this, the judge said in the ruling: “You showed no hesitation or doubt.”

In fact, L. is convinced that he prevented something even worse. At the end of January, he stated: “I feel very positive about myself. I prevented a bloodbath.” He was referring to the ‘worse’ plan that had first formed in his mind – a plan in which he wanted to kill everyone who had ever looked at him the wrong way.

Emotions run high

The judge highlighted the profound impact of the statements given by victims and survivors. “The suffering you have caused is immense”, the judge said. “Many will carry it with them for a long time, or even for the rest of their lives.”

Both the OM and the defence have two weeks to decide whether to appeal.

Erasmus MC response

“We would like to once again express our condolences to the bereaved and to everyone affected by this horrific event”, read a statement on the Erasmus MC website. “We hope the verdict contributes to a sense of justice for those involved, but we recognise that it cannot in any way undo the suffering. Erasmus MC remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for our staff, students and visitors.”