Trial begins in Belgium for Dave De K. over toddler's death on Zeeland island

In Gent, the criminal case against Dave De K., 39, and his ex-girlfriend Romy W. has commenced, focusing on the death of four-year-old Dean whose body was discovered on the Neeltje Jans work island in Zeeland. The mother of Dean had been receiving psychiatric care for depression and had entrusted the couple with the child's care. According to the indictment, an argument erupted during the stay because Romy W. was undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence and allegedly drank excessively.

De K. is said to have driven away while angry, and the mother could not retrieve her son later, leading her to involve the police. After several days of investigation, De K. admitted to leaving Dean at the island. He previously served a ten-year sentence for the fatal assault of his two-year-old stepson, which he has completed. The trial, slated to run for eight days, will be heard by a panel of twelve jurors alongside judges, who will determine guilt.