Suspect Held in Custody for Ostend Woman's Murder

A 47-year-old man accused of murdering a 64-year-old woman in Ostend will remain in pre-trial detention after a Bruges court ordered his continued custody. The suspect appeared before the Bruges chamber of the public prosecutor's office on Monday, where the decision was made.

The victim was discovered deceased in her home on August 20, following a concerned report from a friend who noticed a body through the window of the residence on Waterwerkstraat. Emergency services responded but were unable to save the woman, who authorities believe had been dead for at least several days. The West Flanders prosecutor's office initiated an investigation, involving the forensic laboratory and an examining magistrate.

Investigators quickly identified a suspect, a homeless man originally from Antwerp but living in Ostend. He had reportedly been staying with the victim for several months. "The victim and the suspected perpetrator knew each other. Their relationship is being further investigated," a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office stated. The man was arrested in central Ostend on Friday.

During police interrogation, the suspect exercised his right to remain silent. He maintained this silence before the examining magistrate, who subsequently ordered his arrest on suspicion of murder. The Bruges court on Monday ruled that he must remain in prison for at least another month. His defense attorney did not push for his release but requested a further interview, suggesting the suspect might be willing to provide a statement later.

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The victim and the suspected perpetrator knew each other. Their relationship is being further investigated.