Amsterdam police suspect man in death of 29-year-old woman found in suitcase

A 23-year-old man is a suspect in the death of 29-year-old Hajar, whose body was discovered in a suitcase in the water near Amsteldijk, Amsterdam.

Hajar disappeared on October 4 after being seen cycling with the man near the RAI convention center toward the Buitenveldert district. Before her disappearance, she reportedly sent a distressing message to an acquaintance stating, “Help me. Now. He is killing me.”

The suspect, a Somali national, was initially treated as a witness because other individuals claimed to have seen Hajar after her encounter with him. However, investigators determined those witnesses likely saw a different woman. A breakthrough occurred when police discovered incriminating images on the man's phone.

The suspect was apprehended in Koggenland following a reported violent incident involving his foster father. In addition to the suspected murder or manslaughter of Hajar and the disposal of her body, he faces allegations of attempted murder and threats against a woman.