MAASTRICHT - The police have used pseudo-clients to force a breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of Ger Douven in Puth. Two officers allowed themselves to be treated at the beauty salon of one of the suspects, T.H. from Schinveld. During the treatments, H. gave more and more crucial information about the so-called trunk murder.Several sources confirmed the use of the pseudo-clients. The plainclothes agents won the trust of Tiny H. (48) during the treatments. When it was agreed on the murder cases in Limburg in response to press publications, H. hinted that he knew more about Douven's murder. With this information, the police were eventually able to solve the case.

The body of the then 51-year-old Douven was found on March 12, 2013, in the trunk of a burned-out car in the Daniken nature reserve near Puth-Schinnen. Further investigation revealed that three other suspects, Harold R., Rhonda K. and Marie-José P. were present at the murder.

Douven was just on parole from prison, where he was serving time for drug trafficking. He was owed money by his ex-girlfriend K. and had contacted her for it. K. called Douven to say she had the money, but was having car trouble. She was stationary in the woods near the Awacscliegiegveld near Schinveld. Douven just had to come and get the money.

In reality, Rhonda, Marie-José and Harold had driven to that forest together. The hood of the car had been raised to make everything look like car trouble. But when a casual passerby wanted to help, the hood was quickly lowered. The next car to arrive was Douven's. Professional soldier Harold had hidden in the bushes and fired at Douven. The latter still tried to flee, but was fatally hit in the back of the neck by sniper R.. Douven's body was then thrown into the trunk of a car after which it was set on fire. Harold R. confessed to the murder.

According to statements by some suspects, R. received 14,000 euros for the murder of DOuven. Rhonda K. and Tiny H. had approached him through Tiny's son, Roger H., to commit the murder. Tiny H., Roger H. and his girlfriend Andrea van der K. appeared in court for the first time yesterday. Because not all investigations have been completed yet, the hearing of the case has been postponed until October. Tomorrow, the other three main suspects will appear in court. Their case will almost certainly be stayed as well.