UpdateAnnie De Poortere’s ex-partner, Hans D., has been arrested by the investigating judge. The woman from Sint-Martens-Latem disappeared 30 years ago and her body was found last weekend in a garden near her home. Her then husband, who is said to have made partial confessions in the meantime, will appear before the council chamber within five days. The East Flemish public prosecutor’s office said this. Annie’s family is shocked by the developments and hopes for answers.
Read more about the cold case in Sint-Martens-Latem in our file
LOOK. Last Saturday, the remains of a body were found during excavation work
Last Saturday, during excavation work, the remains of a body were found behind a garage of a family home in Sint-Martens-Latem. Based on several strong indications, the public prosecutor’s office assumes that the remains belong to Annie De Poortere, the then 48-year-old woman who was reported missing in 1994. Further scientific research by experts will take place to confirm this identification.
After the discovery of the remains, the public prosecutor’s office requested an investigating judge to investigate the circumstances of the death. The investigation has now led to the arrest of the victim’s 78-year-old then partner. After thorough questioning, it was decided to bring the man before the investigating judge, who decided to arrest him on suspicion of murder. The man will have to appear before the council chamber within a maximum of 5 days, which will decide on his further arrest. Further investigation will have to reveal what his actual role was in the victim’s death.
Annie family response
The news of the arrest came like a bolt from the blue, according to some of Annie’s relatives.
Karine De Poortere, Annie’s sister, says she is happy that after thirty years of waiting, progress is finally being made in the case. “We hope that the answers will now come after so many years of waiting. But why wasn’t this possible 30 years ago? We want to know what Hans’ share is in the death of my sister.”
Christophe De Poortere, Annie’s godchild, is also happy with the unexpected breakthrough. “I have also had my own feelings about this case all these years and never thought that it would come to an explanation. Let us hope that the perpetrator(s) can now really be punished so that my godmother can be restored to honor and dignity.”
Update: The family was told by the police that Hans D. has made partial confessions. For example, he allegedly confessed that he buried his wife 30 years ago. The public prosecutor’s office cannot (yet) confirm this information.
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Tags: partner Annie Poortere partial confession family responds expected clarification Cold Case SintMartensLatem
 of Annie De Poortere makes partial confession, family responds: “Never expected this clarification” | Cold Case Sint-Martens-Latem){kind=link}