The police shared a timeline on Tuesday evening regarding the disappearance of Jeffrey and Emma. This timeline is incomplete, but the police hope to fill it in with the help of tips. The search has garnered much interest from citizens, but the police warn against searching on their own initiative.
The police once again called attention to the case on Tuesday evening in the program Investigation Requested. An officer emphasized that finding the children is the “first and most important goal.” But she also reported that the police want to complete the timeline surrounding the disappearance.
On Saturday morning at 9:40 AM, the car of father Klaas B. drove past Shell on the Beersterweg in Winschoten. The brief footage made it clear that it is a gray Toyota from 2001 with a tow bar. A little later, between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the man was reportedly seen in a German gambling hall in Bunde, just across the border.
From Bunde, he appears to have traveled back to Beerta alone. There, around 3:30 PM, he picked up ten-year-old Jeffrey and eight-year-old Emma. That is the last time the children were seen. Fifteen minutes later, the car was still seen in Winschoten on the A7.
Since then, every trace is missing. A possible scenario is that Klaas B. drove to Germany. The German police are therefore also investigating. But the police emphasize that it is really not certain whether that is correct. “They may also be somewhere in the Netherlands or have left for another country.”
Police Want to Speak to Acquaintances or Klaas B.
To get a more complete picture of the days before, during, and after the disappearance, the police are again calling for tips to be shared. “We also ask shopkeepers to view their camera footage and possibly share it with us.”
The police are also looking for people who know Klaas B. By learning more about the suspect, the police can paint a clearer picture of the case.
All tips, no matter how small, are therefore welcome. On Tuesday, the police shared extra photos of both the children and Klaas B. in the hope of receiving more tips. The officer reiterated that the children are in mortal danger.
The police are busy with the search and verifying the information that comes in via tips. “Many called immediately.”
The police appreciate the interest in the case. “Many people want to help and we are happy about that.” But they ask people to report so that they can properly coordinate the search for the children. “Do not search on your own initiative. We do not want to skip an area or accidentally destroy traces.”
On Tuesday afternoon, dozens of people reported to the community center in Finsterwolde, from where the search is being coordinated. Among them are also many residents of the surrounding villages. From the coordination point in the community center, the search groups and individuals were sent to various locations in East Groningen.
To date, Jeffrey and Emma and their father, who is suspected of kidnapping the children, have not been found. “Behind the scenes, the search continues unabated.”