On Monday afternoon, the Court of Appeal handled the case of Izak Principaal. The father of victim Shayuri and a young man were present to follow the hearing.
Principaal acknowledged that he knows he did wrong and must be punished. The Attorney General (PG) demanded 8 years in prison plus mandatory clinical treatment.
The Court explained that in December 2023 the Dutch Supreme Court sent the case back, and that only the sentencing part is now being reconsidered. The Supreme Court found that the Court had previously imposed two separate punishments (9 years plus mandatory treatment), which is not allowed.
The Court reviewed that Principaal was convicted of several offenses: armed robbery with violence and a drive-by shooting at a bar in San Nicolas. He committed those together with others. The tragic shooting of Shayuri Petronia, however, was committed by Principaal alone on 4 June 2021.
What punishment is appropriate?
There are numerous reports about Principaal. When asked, he said he knows he did wrong and expects a heavy sentence. The reports now recommend adult sentencing, as juvenile sanctions no longer match the seriousness of the crimes.
Principaal said he committed the offenses when he was 17 and finds it hard to be sentenced as an adult for acts from his youth.
Treatment under strict conditions
Experts say he needs treatment for mental health issues. Sometimes he says he does not need treatment, sometimes he does. The key question is where treatment should occur.
Aruba has limited facilities; the ideal location would be the Netherlands. Principaal said he is willing to go there. Reclassering (Probation Service) in both countries has set strict conditions, including:
• possible long-term stay in a clinic
• close supervision
• no contact with old friends such as Celaire
• no involvement in the drug scene
• controlled communication
• surrender of device passwords
If he violates any condition, he will receive mandatory clinical treatment.
Four years detained without treatment
Principaal told the Court he has been locked up for four years without any outlook. He sees other detainees being released and returning later. He wants to change and not fall back. He wants to cooperate with treatment, even if medication in a closed clinic is difficult.
The judges asked if he could function in the Netherlands and speak Dutch. He replied he understands it somewhat. The Court tested this without the interpreter, and Principaal answered in Dutch: “I understand a little.”
Position of the PG
According to the PG:
• On 4 June 2021, Shayuri was fatally shot by Principaal.
• Principaal has been in custody since that day.
• The family wants closure.
• He committed very serious crimes.
The Supreme Court annulled the earlier sentence because two punishments were imposed. At that time he was 17 and juvenile law applied. But reports show he was involved in a drive-by shooting and later the fatal shooting. The same weapon was used both times.
Adult punishment is necessary
The PG argued:
• The psychiatrist concluded this year that adult sentencing is required.
• The psychologist stated the same in 2022 and reaffirmed it in 2023.
• There is evidence of antisocial behavior.
Purposes of the sentence:
• prevent reoffending
• signal to society
• provide justice for the victim
Since 2021, Principaal has had no treatment, and his problems have worsened. Treatment in a Dutch clinic is essential.
The PG demanded:
• 8 years in prison, and
• mandatory clinical treatment
Alternatively:
mandatory treatment under conditions for 6 years.
Judgment
The Court announced that the verdict will be delivered on December 17, 2025 at 1:45 PM