This morning the Court of Appeal of the Common Court of Justice began proceedings to assess the request of Cornelio Antonio Hermanus (67) for his release.
It was understood that, at the request of the Attorney General (PG), the Court agreed to postpone the handling of the case because much information is still missing.
LIFE SENTENCE FOR MURDER
In 2006, Cornelio Hermanus was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was found guilty of stabbing Raul Croes in the throat, which resulted in his death. Previously, Cornelio had already served time in the Netherlands for killing two people before coming to Aruba, where he murdered the victim. For this reason, the Court sentenced him to life imprisonment.
In the courtroom there was a “Life Sentence Commission” consisting of representatives from the Public Prosecution Service and KIA (Correctional Institution Aruba), including social workers and psychologists. The President of the Court noted that no family members of the victim were present in the courtroom and asked the PG whether they had been invited. The PG stated that the family had been invited but did not appear; however, they had sent a letter to the Court expressing their position regarding Hermanus’ request for release.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE
The President explained that, according to the law, a person sentenced to life imprisonment may request release after 20 years in prison. There is a lengthy procedure that must be followed. The Court stated that the Government of Aruba must provide possibilities for Hermanus’ eventual reintegration. Since 2024, consultations have taken place with psychiatrists, psychologists, probation services (Reclasering), and KIA social workers. Numerous reports were submitted to help the Court assess whether release could be possible.
PG REQUESTS POSTPONEMENT
The Court stated that the PG submitted a written opinion requesting postponement. In court, the PG explained that, based on all evaluations, it is not yet the right moment to proceed because Hermanus’ treatment and reintegration measures are not sufficiently planned.
The PG said that there is already a possible secure location where Hermanus could stay, but it is unclear whether the neighborhood would accept him. The PG emphasized that proper conditions must be in place before release, which is not yet the case. The probation service indicated that by May 2026 there should be a clearer picture, and therefore the PG requested postponement until that time.
The Court told Hermanus that much depends on his own effort—he cannot simply wait passively. If release is not possible now, he may submit a new request in five years, and then every five years thereafter.
The PG announced that KIA would start offering courses to Hermanus and work jointly on his treatment and guidance. When asked whether he wants help, Hermanus said yes, explaining that he has been in prison for many years, has health problems (lost one eye, has knee and back issues, and circulation problems), and wants support to resocialize.
APOLOGY TO THE VICTIM’S FAMILY
The Court noted that psychologists indicated Hermanus has difficulty fully taking responsibility and showing remorse. Hermanus stated that he deeply regrets what happened and that the incident should never have occurred. He said he tries to avoid tense situations in prison and is open to guidance in society.
He also said he never refused treatment, contrary to earlier reports. He expressed his wish to reunite with his family and said he has only one regular visitor in prison. He stated that he has apologized to the victim’s family and also asked the Court for forgiveness, saying he prays daily.
The KIA psychologist explained that Hermanus previously believed he would die in prison and therefore did not engage in treatment, but now shows change and needs more time—at least three more months.
DEFENSE
Attorney Mr. Croes stated that he has known Hermanus for a long time, having represented him during the appeal. He said Hermanus is haunted by what happened and regrets it deeply, and that he has now been incarcerated for a total of 40 years.
CASE POSTPONED
After deliberation, the Court postponed the case until August 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM. By May 2026, a new evaluation is expected. The Court wants a clear action plan regarding Hermanus’ treatment and reintegration and requested full reports from all professionals involved at least two weeks before the hearing.
The Court emphasized that the final decision will depend on both the professional assessments and Hermanus’ own efforts. The PG was instructed to ensure that the victim’s family is present at the next hearing.