Two elderly residents, aged 93 and 97, tragically lost their lives after being stabbed by a fellow resident at the Mariaburcht residential care center in Dentergem, West Flanders, on the night of February 28, 2025. A 94-year-old woman was also seriously injured and is currently hospitalized, according to the West Flanders Public Prosecutor's Office.
Reports indicate the stabbing occurred inside the premises of the care facility, which houses 88 residential units and 10 short-stay rooms. "The 90-year-old resident is alleged to have inflicted injuries on two fellow residents in one room. A 97-year-old man died at the scene," the prosecutor's office stated. Another victim, the 93-year-old man, was also pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the incident, and the 94-year-old woman was transferred to the hospital in dire condition.
The shocking nature of this incident has raised numerous questions, especially concerning the background of the suspect. It has emerged from initial reports and investigations by the prosecutor's office, police, and forensic teams, who have since arrived at the location to gather details, 2.45 to 5.45 the following morning.
Philip Heymans, legal affairs editor for VRT News, revealed the suspect's troubling history. He previously murdered his wife during a domestic argument back in 2021 at their home in Oostrozebeke, West Flanders, using a hammer. At the time, both were 87 years old. The couple reportedly lived reclusive lives, raising questions about the man's movement post-tragedy.
Despite this grim history, it appears he was admitted to the care home under specific conditions. "It could be the case he was in the residential care home awaiting a place in a specialized institution," said Heymans. The concern is compounded by the fact the facility does not offer specialized care for psychiatric issues or dementia—conditions the suspect is understood to have been experiencing.
Last year, authorities decided against prosecuting the suspect due to his deteriorated mental state, which resulted from early stages of dementia. Consequently, it was determined he would be placed under the supervision of secure psychiatric care rather than facing trial and serving time for his prior offense. Subsequently, he was subjected to conditions set for his residency at the care home, leading to queries about his placement, especially considering there is limited availability for criminally insane patients within the Belgian healthcare system.
The precarious situation has sparked anger and concern among the public, with many questioning how such individuals are managed within residential settings without the requisite specialized care. Upon the shocking event, police detained the 90-year-old man, who will be questioned later as part of the investigation related to the stabbings.
While details surrounding this incident are still surfacing, the prosecutors have confirmed they are conducting thorough inquiries to ascertain the precise circumstances leading up to the brutal attack. This inquiry will likely focus on the dynamics between the residents and possible motivations behind such violence.
The tragedy highlights important issues concerning elder care, mental health, and the criminal justice system's role. The incident raised eyebrows about the adequacy of the protection and support available to both residents and staff within such facilities tasked with caring for vulnerable populations.
Discussions about the suspected assailant’s mental health and his admission to the care home will take center stage as more information emerges about the circumstances leading to this unprecedented and concerning attack. Families of residents and stakeholders are anxious for answers, hoping this incident may spark necessary discussions about policy changes to prevent any future occurrences.
The community of Dentergem, forever transformed by this tragedy, now grapples with the complexity of ensuring safety for all vulnerable individuals within care environments. Just how such significant lapses occurred remains under scrutiny, and it’s clear the impact of the events at Mariaburcht will reverberate long after the shock fades.