The decision on whether Mickael Van Houte will be tried before an assize court for infanticide has been postponed for a week. Mickael kept his daughters-in-law Néva and her 3-year-old sister in the absence of his partner on February 2, 2021, when the children’s mother was hospitalized for surgery. Mickael, who is an alcoholic and under the influence of narcotics, beat 22-month-old Néva to death. The autopsy revealed numerous bruises on her body, and she did not survive a cerebral hemorrhage. In the Mons-Borinage region, this tragic story had caused great emotion, and even resulted in a biker group raising money for Néva’s older sister. Mickael gave several versions to investigators, contesting any voluntary involvement, and refused to participate in the re-enactment or appear before his judges during the proceedings.
This Tuesday, the indictment chamber was to decide which body will judge Mickael Van Houte for infanticide. Will he be tried before an assize court or not? The decision is finally postponed for a week.
As a reminder, on February 2, 2021, Mickael Van Haute keeps his daughters-in-law, Néva and his 3-year-old older sister, in the absence of his partner. The children’s mother was hospitalized for surgery.
Néva, only 22 months old, is beaten to death by Mickael. The man is alcoholic and under the influence of narcotics. The autopsy revealed that the girl had numerous bruises on her body. Several blows were given to him in the head. Neva did not survive a cerebral hemorrhage.
In the Mons-Borinage region, this story had caused great emotion. So much so that bikers, who had already accompanied Néva during her funeral, collected a kitty for her big sister. They had traveled personally to Rebecq, in Walloon Brabant, to drop it off.
Postponement of decision
Mickael Van Haute gave several versions to the investigators, contesting a voluntary act. He also refused to participate in the re-enactment and never appeared before his judges during the proceedings.
The decision on which body will judge Mickael Van Houte for infanticide has been postponed for another week. This delay comes following the emotionally charged story of the tragic death of his daughter-in-law Néva, who was beaten to death while in his care. The Mons-Borinage region has been deeply affected by this case, but there is hope in the solidarity shown by bikers who collected money for Néva’s older sister and traveled to Walloon Brabant to deliver it personally. Although Mickael Van Houte contested that his actions were voluntary, the investigators have found multiple bruises on Néva’s body and a cause of death to be cerebral hemorrhage. As we await the decision on his trial, we mourn the loss of Néva and hope for justice to be served.
