Julie Van Espen's murderer confessed to killing her, but said he 'did not mean to'

Julie Van Espen's murderer confessed to killing her, but said he 'did not mean to'

Steve B. (39) confessed on Monday evening to the murder of the 23-year-old Julie Van Espen whose body was found in the Antwerp Albert Canal on Monday, confirmed the public prosecutor's office. On Tuesday he will be brought before the investigating judge, who must decide on his further arrest.

Steve B. was arrested by the police in Leuven after the police spread CCTV images of him, asking for information about this "important witness". However, he had been the prime suspect since the beginning, as he was filmed carrying Van Espen's bicycle basket.

On Monday evening, he confessed to the murder, but added that "he did not mean to kill her".

B. has a lengthy criminal record. He had been convicted for rape twice before, as well as for threats and thefts. In 2017, the correctional court sentenced him to four years in prison for the second rape, but B. appealed.

According to the Antwerp Court of Appeal, that case had not yet been dealt with due to a lack of staff.

Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times


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