The Public Prosecutor’s Office brought a series of charges against the accused Jean-Pierre Croes, the most serious of which was his attempt to murder two men. This 37-year-old man severely beat two men and left them with lasting injuries. The prosecutor requested a punishment of seven years. However, a sentencing date has not yet been set.
In this unfortunate case, which took place last October, a Psychologist’s report was commissioned, concluding that Jean-Pierre is not responsible for his actions and undoubtedly requires treatment. Therefore, his lawyer requested the court not to agree with the prosecutor’s demand.
During the proceedings, it emerged that this accused individual has a serious addiction problem. He admitted that he was high on crack cocaine on the day of the incident when he attacked the two men at Parkietenbos.
The Incident
On October 10, 2023, he began his binge early by drinking alcohol. Under the influence, he decided to steal a car in Primavera because the walk from Playa to his home in San Fuego was too long.
Instead of going home, however, he headed to San Nicolas, where he got into an argument with a Dominican barber, from whom he stole money.
Dubious Statements
His statements were somewhat dubious because initially, he claimed to have gone to Parkietenbos to look at a room he wanted to rent from his friend’s parents. He said he had left a sum of seven thousand florins on a table to see the room but couldn’t explain where he got such a large sum of money.
He was sure that the large sum of money had mysteriously disappeared when he finished viewing the room. Therefore, he demanded that F.S. return his money. A confrontation ensued, resulting in him severely injuring F.S. with a crowbar. F.S.’s cries of pain alerted another man, A.C., to come to his aid. However, he, too, was severely injured.
Jean-Pierre gave a different version, claiming that these two men attacked him, and he believed they were going to kill him. In his statement, he alleged that F.S. stabbed him in the leg, but there were no puncture wounds. In the struggle, he claimed these two men broke his ribs, so he hit them with a crowbar.
At that moment, according to his statement, he saw an opportunity to flee and fled the scene, naked with the box of cash under his arm. He headed towards ATCO to steal a truck, and that’s when the police arrived. He also claimed that ATCO employees had beaten him.
The only thing standing out in the police report is that they found him naked and uninjured. Hence, there were no injuries or blood on his body. In court, he claimed he didn’t realize he had hit these men so severely but that he had simply acted in self-defense.
Consequences for the Victims
The victims were left with various serious injuries. Victim S. suffered multiple head injuries, various puncture wounds, facial fractures, broken ribs, and fingers. The other man who came to his aid didn’t fare any better. He suffered a hand and finger fracture and needed 35 stitches. When he tried to defend F.S., the accused jabbed his thumbs into his eyes. Despite sustaining severe injuries, he felt he needed to help F.S., whom the accused would probably have killed if he hadn’t intervened.
Severe Addiction
Jean-Pierre Croes’ problem is his addiction to drugs and alcohol. According to the psychologist’s report, he loses control of himself under the influence and becomes very aggressive. This professional believes he needs treatment for his addiction and support for his mental problems.
Victims Seek Compensation
A.C. has been an undocumented person in Aruba since 2019 and has sought political asylum. In his current state, he cannot work. He has problems with his right arm and vision, and he lacks medical insurance. He requested compensation of nearly 50,000 florins.
The one with the most significant issues is F.S., who also has vision problems. He is already in a wheelchair because a car hit him, but his situation has worsened since he can no longer bathe or use the toilet by himself.
Punishment
The accused used a crowbar and a knife to attack the two victims, leaving them severely injured, and considering their condition, the prosecutor asked the court to find him guilty of attempted murder and impose a seven-year sentence. Attorney Mr. Bryson focused on the conclusions of the psychological report, stating that he is not entirely responsible and needs professional help. He requested the court to follow this advice and impose a less severe punishment than what the prosecutor requested. Next week, the case will be closed, and a sentencing date will be set.
