Thijs H., suspected of three murders, recently wrote a letter to relatives of his victims. But they do not want to read the text now: 'They have the idea that he is publicly trying to elicit sympathy.'

Thijs H. stabbed three hikers to death in The Hague and Heerlen in early May. They were walking their dog when H. struck. At the first court hearing in August, the 27-year-old Brunssumer made a confession, but indicated that "voices" gave him "orders" to kill. Monday is the second hearing in the case, leading up to which H. sent a letter to the relatives of his victims Etsuko, Frans and Diny.

But the family of Etsuko, a woman from The Hague with Japanese roots, does not want to know anything about his texts, their lawyer Sébas Diekstra reported when asked. ,,Sending the letter appears to be known to several journalists. This gives the relatives the idea that he is trying to gain public sympathy. In any case, they do not want to read the letter."

Relatives of Frans and Diny are also choosing to do the same 'for the time being', reports their counsel Phil Boonen: "My clients are currently going through a very difficult period. Therefore, they will also not be present at the upcoming hearings."

Attorney Serge Weening of Thijs H. declined to comment on the contents of the letter. "That's really something for the next of kin."

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