Today at 2:00 p.m., the judge delivered the verdict in the criminal case against the two police officers, M.V. and R.D. Both were found guilty as accomplices in the killing of Ayden Lanoy.
It was understood that the judge stated he did not agree with the prosecutor’s demand and determined that M.V. and R.D. must receive a prison sentence. The judge said that M.V. and R.D. unnecessarily fired their weapons and killed Ayden Lanoy.
Verdict
The judge explained that the ruling consists of nearly 30 pages but summarized the decision briefly. He said he focused mainly on video footage and the technical investigation by the Landsrecherche.
The judge stated that after blocking the car in Madiki, both officers exited the police patrol vehicle and drew their weapons. At that moment, M.V. fired three shots at the car. Only one bullet struck the vehicle. The judge showed that R.D. fired 17 shots at the car. One of the bullets penetrated the car and fatally wounded Lanoy.
The judge concluded that this constitutes complicity in the killing of Lanoy.
Unnecessary Use of Force
The judge noted that the lawyers for M.V. and R.D. argued that the officers were authorized to use their weapons because they felt their lives were in danger.
The judge stated that, according to the laws of Aruba and Europe, police officers have the authority to use firearms, but only within limits.
In the judge’s opinion, before and after the incident there was no indication that Lanoy was armed. He was a driver fleeing from police. There was no situation in which the officers’ lives were in danger. They exited the patrol car, drew their weapons, and fired. In the judge’s opinion, there was no necessity to shoot, and the officers were not authorized by law to do so.
Not Self-Defense
The judge again stated that there was no situation in which the lives of officers M.V. and R.D. were in danger. He rejected the argument from the defense lawyers that the officers acted in self-defense.
The judge also addressed the defense argument that the officers believed their lives were in danger. He found this argument unacceptable.
In the judge’s opinion, as police officers, they were expected to act correctly. The fact that they had different support that day does not change that, as police officers, M.V. and R.D. should have acted properly.
Must Pay Nearly 40,000 Florins in Damages
The judge found that the parents and partner of Ayden filed claims for material and emotional damages. The judge approved nearly 40,000 florins, and the police are responsible for paying this amount.
Court Does Not Tolerate Unnecessary Use of Firearms
Regarding the punishment, the judge said this case is a tragedy. The family is still affected. It is understandable that the family does not accept what happened.
The judge believes a fair punishment must be given—one that reflects wrongdoing while considering the consequences for the officers and the community.
20 Shots Fired — Lanoy Had No Chance
The judge emphasized that it is important that the officers unnecessarily used firearms. He showed that in total, M.V. and R.D. fired 20 shots at the car, and Lanoy had no chance.
The judge stated that M.V. and R.D. took the life of a young man.
Rejection of Prosecutor’s Demand
The judge said he did not agree with the prosecutor’s request. He determined that a prison sentence was necessary.
He stated that the public must be able to trust that police will not use firearms without proper reason.
A Signal Must Be Sent
The judge said a clear signal must be sent that the court does not tolerate unnecessary use of firearms.
Sentence: 3 Years in Prison
In determining the punishment, the judge considered that this was the first time both officers appeared before the court in such a serious case.
The judge stated he has no doubt that M.V. and R.D. never expected something like this to happen.
He also considered that they can no longer work as police officers and that for the rest of their lives they must carry the consequences of what they did.
The judge found M.V. and R.D. guilty as accomplices in the killing of Lanoy and sentenced them to 3 years in prison, of which 1 year is conditional, with a probation period of 1 year.