The Instagram Murder: A Family’s Story and the Aftermath

In a case that shocked the Netherlands, Bouchra D. Murdered her half-sister, Anouk den Dekker, in 2021 and livestreamed portions of the horrific act on Instagram. A new documentary, “De Instagram-moord,” airing on BNNVARA on March 23, 2026, offers the first in-depth look at the tragedy through the eyes of the family left behind.

The Gruesome Crime

On October 2021, Bouchra D., then 21 years aged, attacked her half-sister, Anouk den Dekker, 20, in a home in Den Bosch. The attack involved 88 stab wounds to Anouk’s body, including her neck and legs. Anouk desperately attempted to escape to neighbors for assist, but Bouchra pursued her and continued the assault. Bouchra filmed the attack with her phone, broadcasting the violence live on Instagram [Instagram].

The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

The mother of both girls described the loss as losing “two children in one day” [DGKI]. Initially, the Public Prosecution Service sought a ten-year prison sentence with compulsory psychiatric treatment [RTL Nieuws]. However, the court ultimately ruled that Bouchra was not fully accountable for her actions due to a severe psychosis and imposed a TBS (terbeschikkingstelling) order – a form of compulsory psychiatric treatment – instead of imprisonment [DGKI].

Psychosis and the TBS Order

Experts determined that Bouchra D. Was experiencing a severe psychotic episode during the murder, claiming she heard voices instructing her to kill Anouk [RTL Nieuws]. While initially receiving a TBS order, the Public Prosecution Service appealed, arguing for a stricter sentence. As of November 2025, Bouchra was receiving treatment in a clinic in Vught and was granted weekend visits with her mother [RTL Nieuws]. Her treatment was reported to be progressing well at that time.

The Documentary and Family’s Perspective

The documentary “De Instagram-moord” provides a platform for the family to share their experiences and grief for the first time. It explores the devastating impact of the tragedy and the challenges of surviving in its wake [DGKI]. Bouchra herself also appears in the documentary, stating, “I can’t forgive myself, and I don’t want to” [DGKI].

Additional Details

During the attack, a seven-year-old girl managed to escape the violence [DGKI]. Bouchra also killed the neighbor’s dog during the incident [RTL Nieuws].