The Court of Appeals once again heard the long-running case of Izak Principaal, who admitted to fatally shooting Sayuri Petronea. The case was sent back after defense attorney Mr. A. Kock appealed the previous ruling, with the Supreme Court of the Netherlands questioning the correctness of the earlier sentence. The court is now focusing only on determining the appropriate punishment.
The court noted that in December 2003, the Supreme Court sent the case back, and today the sentencing aspect is being reconsidered. Principaal has been convicted of several serious crimes, including armed robbery with violence and a drive-by shooting at a bar in San Nicolas, committed together with others. However, the tragic killing of Sayuri, which occurred on June 4, 2023, was committed by Principaal alone.
Juvenile or Adult Punishment?
Extensive reports were prepared regarding Principaal’s psychological and behavioral development. When questioned, he acknowledged that he did wrong and expects a heavy punishment. Experts concluded that adult sentencing is appropriate given the severity of his crimes, even though he was 17 years old at the time.
The court examined factors such as the need for treatment, his willingness to attend school, and future plans. Principaal stated he wants to work and is preparing himself inside KIA prison.
Severe Conditions Proposed
Experts indicated that Principaal needs psychiatric treatment for his mental health issues. Aruba, however, has limited resources for such treatment, and the ideal location would be the Netherlands. Principaal agreed he would go if required.
Both Aruba and the Netherlands’ Reclassering services proposed strict conditions, including possible placement in a closed treatment facility. He would also be barred from associating with former criminal associates, including Celaire, who was involved in earlier violent incidents. Monitoring of his phone use, social circles, and device passwords would also be required.
Four Years Without Treatment
Principaal told the court he has spent four years in detention with little hope for the future and has seen others repeat criminal cycles. He insisted he wants change and is willing to cooperate with treatment despite the difficulty of taking medication in a closed facility.
The court emphasized that without treatment, the risk of reoffending remains extremely high. To verify his Dutch language ability, the judges questioned him directly, and he confirmed he understands Dutch “a little.”
Public Prosecutor’s Demand
The Public Prosecutor (PG) reminded the court that Sayuri was killed on June 4, 2021, and the family still awaits closure. The PG stressed that Principaal committed extremely serious crimes, including a prior drive-by shooting using the same weapon.
Psychiatrists and psychologists from 2022 to 2025 consistently agreed that adult punishment should apply and that Principaal shows antisocial behavior requiring structured treatment.
The PG concluded that imprisonment alone would not rehabilitate Principaal and requested:
- 8 years of imprisonment, and
- Mandatory clinical treatment, ideally in the Netherlands.
The mandatory treatment could last up to 4 years, or 6 years under conditional treatment.
The court will deliver its final verdict on December 17, 2025, at 1:45 PM.
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