Justice
The autopsy on Annie De Poortere’s body did not reveal a cause of death. The public prosecutor’s office confirms this. Earlier Friday, the Ghent council chamber confirmed the arrest under electronic surveillance of 78-year-old HD, who is suspected of murdering his then wife in 1994.
On Saturday, April 27, the remains of a body were found in Kerkstraat in Sint-Martens-Latem during renovation work next to the former home of Annie De Poortere, who disappeared on November 12, 1994. Based on “several strong indications”, the public prosecutor’s office suspects shows that the remains belong to the then 48-year-old woman. An investigating judge was summoned to investigate the death and the woman’s family was informed.
No cause of death can be deduced from the results of the autopsy on the remains of Annie De Poortere. The East Flemish public prosecutor’s office confirms this.
De Poortere’s then husband, the now 78-year-old HD, was arrested and extensively interrogated. The woman’s relatives were told that the man admitted that he hid the body, but that he denied that he killed the woman. The investigation must reveal what his actual role was in the victim’s death, said the public prosecutor’s office, which did not provide further details.
His lawyer Ashley Bickx does not confirm the partial confession, but does say that his client maintains his position. The lawyer cannot confirm whether his client states that he found his wife dead and then hid the body. HD, present himself, did not say a word after the council chamber session behind closed doors.