Suspect in Diksmuide shooting to remain in jail for at least another month

A man from Koekelare accused of shooting a friend in May near the former train station in Diksmuide will remain in custody for at least another month. The Veurne court rejected his request for house arrest with an electronic monitoring tag, even though the investigation into the incident is almost finished. The suspect faces charges of attempted murder.

The shooting took place on May 25th, a public holiday, around 5 a.m. The 24-year-old suspect allegedly shot a 31-year-old man in the abdomen. The victim sustained a gunshot wound but is no longer in life-threatening danger. The incident reportedly stemmed from an argument that escalated at the suspect's home in Koekelare, where both men had been drinking with friends. The victim was asked to leave the house, but the suspect followed him, suspecting him of stealing jewelry.

At the victim's residence, the argument intensified. The suspect then fired a shot from a converted alarm pistol towards the front door. The victim, who was standing behind the door, was struck in the abdomen. The suspect appeared before the Veurne court today. His lawyer, Maxime Van Winkel, argued for his release with an electronic tag, stating that continued detention was unnecessary as the investigation was complete. The lawyer also noted that the client admitted his involvement but maintained he never intended to shoot the victim.

However, the court denied the request for electronic monitoring, ruling that the suspect must remain in jail for at least one more month. The investigation's near completion suggests a trial may be forthcoming, but the court's decision indicates ongoing concerns regarding the suspect's potential flight risk or the severity of the charges.