Benito van Ommeren(65) found dead in Tollensstraat, two arrested; also linked to killing of Willem van der Willigen (70)

The first killing happened in Lieshout. Van der Willigen was found dead in his home on an estate at the Eksterlaan. Investigators concluded he had been dead for some time and had been killed with a hammer. After his death, the suspects allegedly stayed in his home for several days and used his money and possessions. The investigation then led police to Amsterdam, where the suspects were staying in a home on Tollenstraat. The resident was Benito van Ommeren. According to prosecutors, Van Ommeren wanted the pair to leave his home. Shortly afterward, he was killed. He was assaulted and eventually strangled with a belt. When police raided the apartment, they found Van Ommeren dead and arrested Bill C. and Sharona de J. Prosecutors portrayed the case as one in which the suspects exploited vulnerable or generous men. Van der Willigen’s money was allegedly taken after his death, while Van Ommeren’s willingness to let people stay in his home appears to have put him in danger. The court found that, in both cases, the suspects had time to think about their actions. For that reason, both killings were considered murder rather than manslaughter. The final sentences were lower than what prosecutors had demanded. Bill C. was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murders of Van der Willigen and Van Ommeren. The court did not impose a life sentence, but did give him the maximum temporary prison sentence. Sharona de J. was sentenced to 22 years and 11 months in prison. The court considered 23 years appropriate, but reduced the sentence by one month because the proceedings had taken a long time.