The lifeless body of 17-year-old Lisa was discovered in a roadside ditch in the early hours of Wednesday morning, south of her Amsterdam high school.
Lisa had called emergency services while cycling home, reporting that she was being followed. By the time police arrived, she had been fatally stabbed, including wounds to her neck.
Authorities are piecing together Lisa’s last movements and appealed for information from three potential witnesses: a scooter rider, occupants of a light-colored delivery van, and occupants of a Biro microcar seen in the area.
Police said much of her cycling route was recorded on CCTV, but the final seven minutes remain unaccounted for.
Suspect an Asylum Seeker With Prior Arrests
Dutch police confirmed that the main suspect is a 22-year-old asylum seeker.
He had been arrested four days earlier for allegedly raping a woman in Amsterdam on August 15 and was accused of attempting to sexually assault another woman five days before that.
He was staying at a government-run asylum reception center in Amsterdam.
Protests Across the Netherlands
The killing has sparked a wave of grief and protests across the Netherlands.
Actress and author Nienke Gravemade posted a viral poem about Lisa’s final moments cycling home, sparking the #rechtopdenacht (“right to the night”) movement, demanding women’s safety at night.
On Sunday, around 500 people marched in Rotterdam in a demonstration against femicide, carrying signs such as “She had dreams, no grave needed.”
Public Tributes
At an Ajax football match in Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena — near where Lisa’s body was found — fans stood in silence and displayed banners bearing her name.
Lisa was a supporter of the club. Her former school, Spinoza20First, is also preparing a memorial in consultation with her family.
Political Fallout
The killing has fueled political debate ahead of the Netherlands’ October 29 snap election. Right-wing politician Geert Wilders, who recently pulled his party out of the coalition government over asylum policy, demanded a total ban on asylum seekers.
Family Statement
Lisa’s family released a statement describing their grief:
“Our hearts are broken. We hope we can mourn Lisa’s loss together in peace and privacy. We are immensely supported by the love and sympathy from family, friends, and fellow villagers.”
