The Lowest Crime

In part 2 of our true crime series on Willem van Eijk, the Beast of Harkstede , we dive into the harrowing continuation of his story. After his shocking trial and conviction for brutal murders that left the Netherlands in fear, van Eijk was granted early release, only to resume his deadly spree. This episode examines how the justice system’s failure allowed a convicted killer to slip back into soc...

In this episode, part 1 of a 2-part true crime series, we delve into the chilling case of Willem van Eijk, infamously known as the Beast of Harkstede, or  Beest van Harkstede  in Dutch. The story begins with the shocking murder of 15-year-old Cora Mantel, whose body was discovered in a quiet Dutch town, sending shockwaves across the Netherlands. Despite a thorough investigation, the case went cold...

In this episode of The Lowest Crime, we explore the notorious "Parachute Murder" case. In 2006, experienced skydiver Els van Doren tragically died when both her parachutes failed during a jump in Belgium. What appeared to be a tragic accident soon turned into a gripping criminal investigation involving sabotage, jealousy, and a tangled love triangle. Join us as we uncover the shocking details of t...

Send us a textIn 1998, 11-year-old Nicky Verstappen disappeared from a summer camp in Heibloem, shaking the Netherlands. This episode tells the story of his disappearance, the community's grief, and the two-decade-long search for answers. Discover how DNA technology helped solve the cold case, leading to the arrest of Jos Brech. Through the perspectives of journalists like Peter R. de Vries and Ni...

In 2005, Claudia Harteveld and her two daughters vanished from their home in the small Dutch town of Zoetermeer, sparking a nationwide search. Their mysterious disappearance shocked the community and led investigators to uncover dark family secrets. As the investigation unfolded, disturbing truths were revealed, leaving the town forever changed and raising national awareness about domestic violenc...

Send us a textHow does a night of festive excitement turn into an unimaginable nightmare? Join us as we recount the tragic story of New Year's Eve 2019 in Arnhem, where a simple prank involving fireworks and a discarded couch spiraled into a devastating fire. We'll walk you through the heart-wrenching events that led to the tragic loss of a father and his four-year-old son, while a mother and her...

Send us a textWhat if your peaceful hometown suddenly became the backdrop for a gruesome crime? This story takes place in Middelburg, June 1990, where tranquility was shattered by a chilling discovery at a bus shelter. In this episode we'll talk all about what happened leading up to that day and everything that happend after. Join me for this horrifying story of the severed human head left at a bu...

Send us a textWhat if a simple pen could become a murder weapon? In today's episode, we dive into the intriguing Big Pen Case—a true crime mystery that has left experts and the public baffled for decades. On the evening of May 26, 1991, 21-year-old Jim returned to his mother’s home, only to discover her lifeless body with an intact pen buried deep in her brain. We’ll explore the false accusations,...

Send us a textIn this episode, we delve into the tragic and chilling case of Ichelle van de Velde, a murder that shocked her community. Not only was the crime itself heart-wrenching, but the gruesome manner in which the perpetrator disposed of her body left everyone reeling. Join me as we explore crucial moments—from the alarming signs her family noticed to the harrowing discovery of her remains....

Send us a textIn this episode, we delve into the tragic case of Marianne Vaatstra, a vibrant 16-year-old from Friesland whose life was cut short on May 1st, 1999. We’ll explore how the initial investigation was marred by unfounded suspicions against asylum seekers and the challenges faced in the pursuit of justice. With advancements in DNA testing, we discuss how new evidence ultimately led to the...

Send us a textOn August 27, 2001, beachgoers at Nulde made a horrifying discovery: the torso of a child washed ashore. In today’s episode, we delve into the tragic and chilling murder of Rowena Rikkers, infamously known as the girl from Nulde (Het Meisje Van Nulde). We’ll explore the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking case, the investigation that followed, and the lasting impact it had o...

Send us a textWhat if the justice system got it wrong? The Schiedam Park murder case is a story that questions police investigations and ethical boundaries. When Nienke Kleiss and her friend Maikel were brutally attacked in Beatrix Park in Schiedam in June of the year 2000, the authorities faced immense pressure from the public, leading to aggressive interrogation techniques, and the subsequent wr...

Send us a textWhat drives a seemingly perfect mother to murder her husband and daughter with an ax? In this episode we unravel the haunting case of Elzeline K., a devoted mother and wife whose life took a horrifying turn one September night in 2008. Listen in as we piece together the tragic transformation of Elzeline K. and consider the broader implications of this heartbreaking story. Please note...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Lowest Crime, we take a look at the heartbreaking case of Anne Faber, a 25-year-old woman who went missing during a bike ride around Utrecht in September 2017. We discuss the intense search efforts, the arrest of Michael P., and the shocking details of the crime. We'll also talk about the impact of Anne's case on the Dutch justice system, leading to significant...

Send us a textSubscribe to The Lowest Crime to hear all about notorious true crime cases from The Netherlands. I look forward to seeing you for episode one on August 1st! Follow The Lowest Crime on instagram to get all images related to the case: https://www.instagram.com/thelowestcrime/