Dutch Man on Trial for Beheading Mother Believed He Was Ordered by Princess Beatrix

Jesse R., a 32-year-old Dutch man, is on trial for the murder of his 63-year-old mother, Alia, in Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands, on April 16, 2025. Prosecutors are seeking involuntary psychiatric treatment, arguing that he was legally insane at the time of the crime. The case has gained international attention due to the bizarre delusion that fueled the attack: Jesse R. Believed he was instructed by Princess Beatrix to commit the murder.

Details of the Crime

According to court documents and reports from Omroep West, Jesse R. Had stopped taking medication for his psychosis months before the murder. He developed a delusion that his mother was attempting to poison him and that Princess Beatrix could help. He believed the Princess tasked him with a murder as part of a game similar to Cluedo, requiring a victim, a weapon, and a location.

On the day of the murder, Jesse R. Went to a hardware store in Hellevoetsluis and purchased an axe, having initially considered a chainsaw. He then returned home where his mother was eating breakfast. Despite Alia’s attempts to defend herself, Jesse R. Fatally attacked her. AD.nl reports that Alia screamed, “Jesse, you’re murdering me!” during the attack.

Attempt to Reach the Royal Palace

Following the murder, Jesse R. Took his mother’s head and drove towards The Hague, intending to place it on the gates of the royal palace, believing this would fulfill the “order” from Princess Beatrix. He was intercepted by police on the A4 highway near Schipluiden and Delft. Omroep West detailed the dramatic arrest.

Legal Proceedings and Psychiatric Evaluation

The Public Prosecution Service has requested a TBS (Terbeschikkingstelling) order with compulsory care, which would involve long-term psychiatric treatment. Prosecutors argue that Jesse R. Was legally insane at the time of the crime, as reported by Ground.news and AD.nl. The trial is currently underway, and the court will determine whether Jesse R. Is held criminally responsible for his actions.

Even after being taken into custody, Jesse R. Reportedly continued to believe that Princess Beatrix would come to his rescue, but this never happened. He only realized the extent of his illness after seven months of new medication, according to Geenstijl.nl.