Nieuw-Vennep woman, 59, was likely murdered at random; Bank employee didn't know suspect

The man suspected of murdering a 59-year-old woman in Nieuw-Vennep likely did not know the victim. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has stated that they have seen no evidence to suggest that the 36-year-old Italian national has a personal relationship with the woman, NOS reports.

A 59-year-old woman from Haarlemmermeer was found dead at around 7:35 p.m. on Monday in a parking lot near Nieuw‑Vennep train station. A witness reported seeing a man cycling "noticeably in circles" on the parking lot shortly before the victim's body was discovered. Authorities are investigating the case as a possible criminal act.

The suspect was arrested shortly after. He reportedly leads a "wandering existence" and has no permanent residence in the Netherlands. The police have not confirmed whether the two knew each other, and are leaving this part of the investigation open as the case is still under review.

The victim, like another woman recently found dead in Amsterdam‑Zuid, was employed at ABN Amro. While both cases are being investigated independently and the respective teams have consulted, there seems to be no direct connection between the two deaths. The Nieuw‑Vennep case is considered a crime, but police have not confirmed if the Amsterdam‑Zuid colleague’s death on March 26 involved foul play.

Authorities have assigned a Large-Scale Investigation Team and are calling on witnesses to provide information or video footage. Reports indicate that a possible stabbing weapon was discovered nearby, which police are investigating, though its precise relevance has yet to be established.

The suspect is in custody and will appear before the examining magistrate. The direction of the investigation will depend on the outcomes of forensic tests and witness interviews.