In a novel approach to solving cold cases, the Amsterdam police have turned to technology to help crack the 2009 murder of Betty Szabó, a 19-year-old sex worker. Szabó, originally from Hungary, was murdered in the city’s infamous red light district, suffering over 70 stab wounds. Despite previous investigations, the killer remains unidentified. In an effort to reignite public interest and jog memories, the police have created a hologram of Szabó, hoping that it will encourage people to come forward with information.
Szabó, who had moved to the Netherlands at 18, had recently given birth to a son when she was murdered. The hologram is part of the police’s strategy to garner new leads, as past efforts have failed due to a lack of cooperation from witnesses. Amsterdam police believe that there are individuals who know the identity of the killer but have been reluctant to speak out. The police department’s cold case unit, led by Anne Dreijer-Heemskerk, sees the hologram as a potential tool for unlocking long-silent memories.
The hologram, designed to resemble Szabó, is displayed in the red light district, where she worked before her tragic death. It is hoped that by seeing the hologram, passersby will remember details that could help solve the case. The hologram’s appearance is aimed to resonate with those who may have been in the area at the time of her murder. In addition to this innovative tactic, the police are offering a reward of €30,000 for anyone providing information that leads to the identification and arrest of Szabó’s killer.
This high-tech method follows a growing trend where authorities are utilizing cutting-edge technology to solve long-standing crimes. The hologram marks a first for the Netherlands and has raised awareness about the case, particularly among locals and tourists frequenting the red light district. The goal is not just to inform but to elicit a response from those who might have seen something crucial but were hesitant to speak up in the past. By presenting Szabó’s image in a new, interactive format, police hope to create an emotional connection that prompts someone to come forward.
This initiative underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving cold cases. Despite thorough investigations and the presence of surveillance cameras in the district, the case has remained unsolved for over 15 years. Witnesses at the time were reportedly reluctant to engage with authorities, possibly due to the sensitive nature of the location and the victim’s occupation.
Now, with this technological intervention, the police are optimistic that fresh insights will emerge. While the case has languished for years, the hope is that the hologram will rekindle interest, and ultimately, justice for Betty Szabó and her grieving family.
For those who may know something about the case, the Amsterdam police are urging them to come forward, with the promise of a financial reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator. This innovative approach is one of the latest in a series of methods designed to tackle cold cases, blending technology with traditional investigative work.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE