WILLEMSTAD - The murder case of Dutchman Mike Venema has been referred back to the investigating judge by the Court of First Instance for the questioning of three suspects. This decision was made during a pro forma hearing involving five suspects: three women and two men. The suspects are accused of involvement in the death of Venema, who was found dead on July 5, 2019, in his pickup truck at the bottom of the sea near Shut.
The suspects, identified as women Suyanti M., Ervinella F., and Eurodis J., along with men Shakir C. and Shahier P., are alleged by the Public Prosecutor’s Office to have attempted to sedate Venema by adding a prohibited substance to his whiskey on September 12, 2018. They reportedly held a cloth over his throat to put him to sleep. The plan allegedly failed, resulting in Venema’s death. His body was then placed in his Ford Raptor, which was driven into the sea near Shut.
Two of the female suspects are accused of drugging Venema and leaving him unconscious, while the other suspects entered his home to steal money, watches, and clothing. Additionally, they are charged with theft from Venema’s residence in Jan Sofat.
The case was handled pro forma as the defense requested more time for further investigation, including psychological and psychiatric evaluations. The prosecutor stated that the case file is almost complete, though a few details remain unresolved. The suspects chose not to make any statements during the hearing. However, one of the female suspects, Ervinella F., expressed hope that the truth would emerge during the trial.
The case has been postponed to December 11, 16, and 18 for further hearings. At the time of his disappearance, Mike Venema was living in an apartment on Anasaweg, having previously resided in a house in the Jan Sofat resort. Authorities in Curaçao initiated a joint investigation, which led to the arrest of two female suspects in the Netherlands and the remaining suspects in Curaçao.
Crime-solving programs like Team West and Opsporing Verzocht, along with media attention from the Peter R. de Vries Foundation, provided valuable tips for the investigation. The court has now referred the case back to the investigating judge for further questioning of three suspects.