A Romanian man is suspected of murdering a Belgian fencing champion

A 35-year-old Romanian man suspected of killing Belgian fencing champion Georgette Van Den Bogaerde could stand trial before the Ghent Court of Assizes. The 90-year-old woman was attacked in June 2019 at her home, and investigators later established that the incident occurred during a robbery.

Van Den Bogaerde was found seriously injured in the living room, two days after receiving a visit from a pedicurist. Her face was disfigured and she had suffered two cerebral hemorrhages. She died in hospital a week later. Jewelry had been stolen from the home, including a gold bracelet engraved with the victim’s nickname.

The investigation went several years without an identified suspect. A breakthrough came in 2024, when Dacian Severin V. was arrested in France, near Lyon, after stealing vegetables from several gardens. DNA analysis allegedly links him to the murder case, and Belgian authorities requested his extradition.

The judicial investigation has been completed, and the case has reached the Indictment Chamber in Ghent. The court must decide whether the suspect will actually stand trial. The man remains in custody and denies any involvement. His lawyer maintains that there is no direct evidence linking him to the victim’s death.