Owner of Wereldgeluk restaurant in Groningen and her partner found dead in their home in Nieuwediep

The bodies of the man (44) and his wife (30) were discovered just after noon on Sunday by local residents, who were unable to contact the couple. The police then conducted extensive investigations for hours.

A police spokesperson could not say on Monday whether there was a ‘relational drama’ or joint suicide. Local residents say they have called the police more often in recent years with concerns about arguments in the couple’s home.

Domestic violence conviction in January

Last August, the man of the house was imprisoned for several months for assaulting his wife and threatening him with a knife. He remained behind bars until his criminal trial at the end of January.

In addition to his pre-trial detention, he received a conditional prison sentence of 78 days. If he were to undergo treatment, he would not have to sit through it. The man had to regularly report to the probation service. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) wanted to extend the probation period to 3 years, but the police judge did not agree.

No contact ban was imposed on the man with his wife, which meant that they could continue to live together after the criminal case. Neither the justice department nor the court can say why this happened. Judgments of lower courts are usually kept in summary form in the archives.

It is unclear whether the man has been convicted of domestic violence before. Both a Public Prosecution Service spokesperson and his lawyer cannot comment on this. They also cannot say to what extent the man complied with the conditions imposed.

Neighbors in Nieuwediep say that the police came by regularly. “They often had arguments that lasted well into the night. He was also convicted of that,” says one of them. “I have often worried about her safety, but lately things seemed to be going better.”

Hidden defects at Wereldgeluk restaurant

The woman took over Wereldgeluk restaurant in Groningen at the end of 2021, after a long employment as manager. After three months the restaurant had to close due to a major, unplanned and unwanted renovation. According to her, there were all kinds of hidden defects in the building, such as mold, abysmal pipework and rot.

The repair costs rose towards one million. Money was borrowed from friends and family and more than 11,000 euros was also raised with a donation crowdfunding . At the same time, she filed a lawsuit against the old owner, which was scheduled to be filed in May. Wereldgeluk has been open to guests again in recent months. On Sunday, a note on the door stated that the restaurant was closed ‘due to circumstances’.

‘Serious family circumstances’

That same Sunday afternoon, the first police car arrives in Nieuwediep around two o’clock, the neighbors say. Then three police vans arrived and men in white suits appeared. The house was cordoned off with tape. “The police were busy until eleven o’clock in the evening.”

A family member and associate confirms the ‘serious family circumstances’. On Monday he will discuss with the staff how to proceed with the case. Furthermore, he thinks it is ‘not appropriate’ to respond to questions.