ORANJESTAD (AAN) – A judge has denied the request for release filed by the suspect in Aruba’s fatal January 4 hit-and-run case, ruling that she will remain in custody while criminal proceedings continue.
The 24-year-old suspect, Chania Chante Fernandes Pedra, appeared in court on Friday to face five charges brought by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in connection with the collision that killed pedestrians Josely Paulina Vasquez Gonzalez, 65, and Carlos David Vialez Valerio, 54. The trial has been postponed until October 2, 2026.
The hearing also drew attention after Dutch lawyer Bram Moszkowicz appeared wearing a lawyer’s robe despite not being authorized to represent the suspect in Aruba. The judge instructed him to remove the robe, noting that the Caribbean Court of Justice had already ruled he was not permitted to act as defense counsel in the case.
During the hearing, the suspect requested reconsideration of Moszkowicz’s participation and also asked to be released while preparing her defense. Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing the charges are serious, carry significant prison sentences and that releasing the suspect could cause public concern.
After reviewing the arguments, the judge ruled that the suspect must remain detained, citing the gravity of the allegations and the public interest in the case. The court also stressed that the suspect must obtain a lawyer authorized to practice in Aruba before the next hearing, scheduled for August 20, while the main trial remains set for October 2.
