Romy W., the 28-year-old Belgian woman accused of involvement in the 2021 death of four-year-old Dean Verberckmoes, has given birth to a child while in pre-trial detention, according to verified reports from Belgian media. The Nieuwsblad confirmed the development, noting that Romy W. Became a mother during her incarceration ahead of the upcoming assisen trial in Ghent.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention in Belgium and the Netherlands, centers on the death of Dean Verberckmoes, whose body was found in January 2022 near the former Neeltje Jans operate island in Zeeland, the Netherlands. Prosecutors allege that the child suffered severe abuse while in the care of Romy W. And her then-partner, Dave De Kock, in their Sint-Gillis-Waas apartment before being transported to the Netherlands and left deceased.
Romy W. Has consistently maintained her innocence, stating she had no active role in the child’s death. Her legal team has argued that any responsibility lies solely with Dave De Kock, who has confessed to fatally assaulting Dean and disposing of the body. Despite her denials, Romy W. Remains charged with kidnapping and complicity in the murder, charges she denies.
The birth occurred while Romy W. Was held in a Belgian prison facility, though specific details about the circumstances of the pregnancy or delivery have not been publicly disclosed by judicial or penitentiary authorities. Belgian prison regulations allow for prenatal and postnatal care for incarcerated individuals, but specifics about this case have not been released.
Dave De Kock, now 38, admitted in 2024 to having fatally assaulted Dean and leaving the child’s body in his vehicle before later disposing of it near Neeltje Jans. He claimed during interrogation that Romy W. Was unaware of the violence and had no part in the crime, a statement he reiterated in a letter written from custody.
The upcoming assisen trial, scheduled to begin in October 2026 in Ghent, will examine the extent of Romy W.’s alleged involvement. Prosecutors must prove beyond reasonable doubt that she participated in or facilitated the kidnapping and murder, while the defense contends the evidence against her is circumstantial and insufficient for conviction.
Legal experts note that in Belgian assisen proceedings, which handle the most serious crimes such as murder, a unanimous verdict is required from a jury of citizens. The trial is expected to last several weeks and will include testimony from forensic experts, child welfare officials, and individuals familiar with the couple’s relationship.
The case has prompted broader discussions in Belgium about child protection systems, particularly regarding oversight of informal caregiving arrangements. Authorities have acknowledged gaps in monitoring when children are placed with private caregivers outside formal foster systems.
As of now, no official date has been set for the delivery of the child born to Romy W., nor have authorities confirmed whether the infant remains in her care or has been placed with family or social services. Penitentiary officials typically assess maternal capability and living arrangements post-birth, but such decisions are not made public.
The next confirmed development in the case is the commencement of the assisen trial in October 2026, where both Dave De Kock and Romy W. Will face the charges related to the death of Dean Verberckmoes. Until then, Romy W. Remains in pre-trial detention, presumed innocent under Belgian law until proven guilty.
Readers seeking updates on the case are advised to follow official communications from the Belgian Federal Public Service Justice or reputable news outlets covering Belgian judicial proceedings. Sharing verified information helps ensure accurate public understanding of ongoing legal matters.