The shocking shooting of a Sint-Lievens-Houtem lawyer and her son has taken a major turn. On Saturday, 28 October 2023, a man broke into the advocate’s home before opening fire. The lawyer fled outside but was fatally shot, while her son Victor survived a close-range attack. The suspect vanished without a trace, sparking intense police investigations.
- Man invaded advocate's home, shooting occurred
- Police launched intensive judicial investigation immediately
- Federal police issued multiple search appeals
- DNA matched suspect Willy D.M. to crime
- Suspect arrested, denies confessions so far
- Victim's family expresses cautious relief and hope
Since then, the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office has led a thorough inquiry, employing DNA testing and other methods. On 18 June 2025, a breakthrough came with the arrest of a 71-year-old man in Hillegem, linked by DNA to the crime scene. This development raises questions about the motive and the suspect’s connection to the victim.
What does this mean for justice in Belgium, and can this arrest finally bring closure to the family? The following details shed light on the case’s latest progress.
How significant is this arrest for the ongoing investigation? The case highlights several key points:
- Intensive police work and DNA evidence were crucial in identifying the suspect.
- The accused was a former client of the victim, though motives remain unclear.
- The victim’s family expresses cautious relief but awaits further developments.
- Authorities continue to examine all leads to understand the full context of the crime.
As the legal process unfolds, Belgian citizens watch closely for answers. Will further confessions or evidence emerge? For now, the arrest marks a hopeful step toward justice and healing for those affected.
