Pre-trial hearing in Ayden Lanoy death case scheduled for 7 November in Aruba
Two Aruban police officers are being prosecuted for the manslaughter of 19-year-old Ayden Lanoy. The pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 7 November 2025.
Lanoy case investigation in final phase, pre-trial hearing in November
The Public Prosecutor's Office of Aruba re-examined on Friday the two police officers suspected in the death of Ayden 'CJ' Lanoy, according to caribischnetwerk.ntr.nl. The officers are being prosecuted for complicity in the manslaughter of the 19-year-old. The National Detective Service is working on compiling the final dossier. The pre-trial hearing in the case, named 'Caret', is scheduled for 7 November.
On Tuesday, the spokesman for the Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed to the Caribbean Network that the investigation was in its final phase. On Friday afternoon, the Public Prosecutor's Office added that final investigative steps were being taken to officially conclude the investigation.
During a pre-trial hearing, the lawyers of both the suspects and the next of kin can submit investigation requests — requests regarding the examination of witnesses, the involvement of experts, or other necessary investigation. The judge decides which requests are granted.
Twenty shots
Lanoy died in February following a police pursuit. Security footage showed that at least eighteen shots were fired; investigation results revealed that ultimately twenty shots were fired. Lanoy allegedly did not stop after police requested him to do so due to a broken rear light. His death, and the fact that the officers involved were not initially arrested, led to social unrest, protest marches and a petition demanding, among other things, body cameras for all officers.
Body cameras rolled out
According to former Justice Minister Rocco Tjon (MEP), a pilot project with body cameras in the police force has been running since 2023, for which 28 units were purchased through telecommunications company Setar. In early July, the Aruba Police Force (KPA) announced it was officially rolling out the pilot project. Police Chief Ramon Arnhem called this in a video message "an investment in trust between the officer and the community".
Family demands transparency
The Public Prosecutor's Office states that both the lawyers of the suspects and the lawyer representing the next of kin have been informed of the status of the case. Lanoy's family has pressed for justice and greater transparency since the incident. In June, parliament held a question hour in which current Justice Minister Arthur Dowers (AVP) had to answer questions about communication and transparency surrounding the proceedings.
Understaffing delays other cases
In February, Tjon acknowledged that chronic staff shortages represent the greatest challenge within the justice system. The Public Prosecutor's Office emphasises that the Lanoy case is being handled with priority given its seriousness, but at the same time points out that years of understaffing at the National Detective Service are causing delays in other ongoing investigations.
Source: Google News AW — Crime