Argument over a bill, fatal stabbing

The public prosecutor demanded an eight-year prison sentence against 49-year-old Ronald M. from Hilversum for a fatal stabbing on Agatha Christiesingel in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. The incident took place on 18 April 2020. The 53-year-old victim was Maximo “Benchi” Martis from Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, who later died in hospital from his injuries. According to the Public Prosecution Service, Ronald M. and the victim had argued shortly before the stabbing in a toko. Ronald M. stated that the victim had kicked him, grabbed him by the throat and threatened to kill him. The confrontation allegedly continued near Ronald M.’s car, where, according to his own statement, he was attacked again. When the victim grabbed him, Ronald M. took a knife. According to the prosecutor, witness statements and camera footage showed that Ronald M. had already stabbed the victim before both men ended up on the ground, and that he then made several more stabbing movements while the victim was lying on the ground. The Public Prosecution Service argued that Ronald M. could have withdrawn from the situation and that using a knife was not proportionate to the victim’s actions. Prosecutors therefore rejected his claim of self-defence and demanded eight years in prison for manslaughter. The court ultimately sentenced Ronald M. to four years in prison for manslaughter. Prosecutors did not let it rest. On 17 January 2022 the Amsterdam court of appeal rejected the plea of self-defence - the stabbing was not proportionate - and of excessive self-defence, since there had been no acute emotional disturbance. It quashed the judgment and imposed six years.