World · Europe · 6 hrs ago
Belgian jury finds Dave De K. guilty in Dean's death
A jury in Ghent, Belgium, found Dave De K. guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping in the case of four-year-old Dean.
De K. and his former partner, Romy W., were meant to care for Dean while his mother was in hospital.
De K. said he struck Dean several times during a fit of anger, and the boy died hours later during a drive in Zeeland, the Netherlands.
Dean's body was found at Neeltje Jans, four years ago.
The jury cleared W. of kidnapping, but found her guilty of possessing and sharing child sexual abuse images.
De K. was also convicted of possessing such images, and could face up to 30 years in prison.
The court is due to decide both defendants' sentences on Monday.
A Belgian jury found Dave De K. guilty of the manslaughter and kidnapping of four-year-old Dean.
The jury acquitted De K.’s former girlfriend, Romy W., of kidnapping Dean, saying there was too little evidence.
W. was found guilty of possessing and distributing images of child sexual abuse.
Dean’s body was found near Neeltje Jans in Zeeland four years ago.
Sentences for De K. and W. are due to be decided on Monday.
- Who
- Dave De K. was found guilty. Romy W. was acquitted of kidnapping.
- What
- A Belgian jury delivered verdicts in the case of Dean’s death and kidnapping.
- When
- Friday, October 16, 2026.
- Where
- Ghent, Belgium.
- Why
- The jury found De K. guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping; it said there was too little evidence to convict W. of kidnapping.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dean’s body was found near Neeltje Jans in Zeeland.
A jury in Ghent found Dave De K. guilty and acquitted Romy W. of kidnapping.
Sentences for De K. and W. are due to be decided.
- Dean’s age
- 4 years old
- Jury location
- Ghent, Belgium
- Dave De K.
- Found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping
- Romy W.
- Acquitted of kidnapping; found guilty of possessing and distributing images of child sexual abuse
- Sentence hearing
- Monday
2 sources
What people are saying
He has indicated that he may find his place better in prison.