The pre-trial detention of 62-year-old Evert-Jan van T., the main suspect in the murder of Duncan Zwakke, who has been missing since 1989, was extended by ninety days by the court in Zutphen on Friday. Locally known real estate entrepreneur Van T. has been linked to the case by the police for 35 years, but he was released after months in pre-trial detention due to a lack of evidence.
Cellar
Evert-Jan van T. was arrested again on April 9, 2024 as a suspect in the murder and disappearance of Duncan Zwakke. He was arrested after an investigation in a cellar on Nieuwstad, in the center of Zutphen. This is the basement of the Mazzel thrift store, where Van T.’s parents’ restaurant used to be. Although no traces of blood were ever found, it is strongly suspected that Zwakke was killed in this cellar. The lower part of the stairs was replaced at the time, apparently to erase traces.
Real estate entrepreneur
Evert-Jan van T. is in the catering industry and real estate. He is co-owner of the Delta complex in Zutphen, a large industrial estate. He also made the regional news several times because he had a conflict with the municipality of Zutphen over construction plans.
Brother
Van T.’s 60-year-old brother was also arrested again in the 35-year-old missing person case, but he was released after a few days due to a lack of evidence.
31-year-old Duncan Zwakke was last seen on October 17, 1989 at café De Spaan in the center of Zutphen. His body was never found.
New research techniques
On April 3 of this year, the police restarted an additional investigation into the missing person case. This happened in the basement of the building on Nieuwstad. The same building had previously been searched by investigators. According to the police, new resources and investigative techniques could help shed new light on the case.
In addition to the investigation at Nieuwstad, the police also used a sonar boat to search for possible traces on the IJssel.
