Peter R. was for years the confidant and friend of the family of Nicky Verstappen, who disappeared in August 1998 during a holiday camp on the Brunssumerheide. Royce has also known the family for about 23 years. “I really enjoy assisting the family, but I also do it a bit for myself,” says the lawyer. “It also suits my processing to do this.”
The case was a so-called cold case for years, but gained momentum due to a large-scale DNA kinship investigation. Ultimately, the judiciary found out that the DNA on Nicky’s underpants and pajama pants came from Jos B. After a manhunt, the Spanish police arrested him in Castellterçol, near Barcelona.
“My father kept shaking the tree and ringing the bell to bring this matter to the attention,” Royce says about this. “That ultimately led to a large-scale DNA test and that ultimately led to the arrest of Jos B. That is something I am incredibly proud of, that he has done so.”
Royce is also very proud that his father has always kept in touch with the Verstappen family. “He has done everything he can to support these people and when I think back on that, I am incredibly proud of him.” Nicky’s family speaks with just as much praise for Peter R. According to the boy’s father, he was the ‘driving force’ behind the investigation.
The ruling in the appeal can be followed live from 1 p.m. via a live stream on this website.
