Belgium’s infamous “Crazy Killers of Brabant” case, which left 28 people dead in a series of supermarket robberies between 1982 and 1985, is being reopened after a previously overlooked lead. The case, which remains unsolved, has mystified the country for decades, with various theories suggesting political motivations, including potential involvement from far-right elements in law enforcement.
The Case Overview
These crimes took place in two waves between 1982 and 1985 where a gang committed violent supermarket robbery while killing 28 people, including some children. The savagery and inexplicable nature of the killings gave rise to numerous theories regarding motives, although never a single piece of evidence has been found for any explanation. Despite thorough DNA searches and arrests, no conviction has taken place.
Recent Developments: Appeals Court Decision
A new turn has just recently seen an appeals court in Mons, Belgium side with a civil party that had called for two witnesses to be heard in the case of two brothers who were then children at the time of the 1985 Aalst attack, but who claim that they saw six men running from the scene after the robbery that claimed eight people’s lives. The brothers, who were 7 and 10 years old at the time, had even written down the car’s registration number, which was noted in the case file but never pursued.
Following the civil party’s request, the court agreed to allow the brothers, now 47 and 50 years old, to provide further testimony. This could potentially reveal new information that might crack the case open after years of dead ends.
Impact of the New Lead
Even though the case was officially closed last year, this decision to reopen the investigation is very crucial. The previously unexplored lead from the brothers could open the identity of the perpetrators to a key. Victim families, represented by lawyer Kristiaan Vandenbussche, continue to press for further investigation and will pursue justice for the victims as the case goes back on its long history of frustration and unresolved questions.
The reopening of the case represents a renewed push for justice, with the families of the victims hopeful that this new evidence will lead to answers. Despite years of investigation and numerous leads, Belgium has yet to see a conviction in the case, leaving a dark chapter in the country’s criminal history unresolved.