Frisian farmer caught by dna confesses to 1999 schoolgirl murder

The Frisian farmer arrested last month on suspicion of killing a 16-year-old girl in 1999 has confessed to the murder.


Jasper S was arrested after a dna test identified him as the potential killer of schoolgirl Marianne Vaatstra, who was raped, murdered and her body dumped in a field.
This summer police organised a mass dna test of men living close to the field where the girl’s body was found. Some 6,500 men volunteered for the test, including Jasper S.
Village
According to news agency ANP, the 45-year-old said he did not know Marianne, but came across her by chance, threatened her with a knife and forced her into a field where he attacked her.
His farm in the tiny Frisian village of Oudwoude, where S lives with his wife and two children, is only a few kilometres from the place where Marianne was found.
His lawyer Jan Vlug told television programme Nieuwsuur S confessed to the crime during their first meeting. S had taken part in the dna testing programme to get caught, Vlug said. ‘He felt the game was up.’

Bike ride

S has not been able to explain why he committed the crime. He had gone out for a cycle ride that evening because he was under stress and wanted to change direction. The fact he was carrying a knife is not unusual because that is something all farmers do, the lawyer said.
On Wednesday judges in Leeuwarden remanded S in custody for 90 days while the investigation continues.
Earlier stories
DNA arrest in 1999 murder raises many questions
Man arrested following dna tests to solve 1999 schoolgirl murder

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