Mobile phone call could identify Joe’s killers

20 April 2006

BRUSSELS — A mobile phone call placed to one of the suspects in the killing of a teenage boy at Brussels Central last week could lead to the arrest of both assailants.

Shortly before 17-year-old Joe Van Holsbeeck was stabbed to death on 12 April, the suspect clothed in a Nike training jacket answered a call on his mobile phone.

The suspect’s actions were recorded on the train station’s surveillance cameras and might form the crucial element in leading to the arrest of both youths.

Telecoms infrastructure located near the station would have recorded the details of the phone call, such as who rang and who answered it, newspaper ‘Le Soir’ reported on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the video footage of the two assailants released by police on Wednesday has led to a large amount of tips from the public.
 
A stream of telephone calls have been placed with the special police tip line 0800 91 119. Some 18 police officers are answering calls 24 hours per day.

Police are almost certain the culprits have not fled abroad and are investigating the possibility they are part of an organised gang, possibly from outside of Brussels, newspaper ‘Het Nieuwsblad’ reported.

Inquiries are also focusing on absentee lists at hundreds of secondary schools in Brussels. Police are especially interested in “unusual absences”.

Meanwhile, the royal family has expressed its condolences to Van Holsbeeck’s family for the brutal killing.

The leaders of six Flemish political parties have also jointly agreed to discreetly participate in Sunday’s silent march against violence.

Van Holsbeeck will be buried during a private ceremony for family and friends at Haren on Thursday.

[Copyright Expatica News 2006]

Subject: Belgian news