Police search for body in case of woman missing since 2010
Police have begun a search for the body of mother-of-three Heidi De Schepper, who went missing 15 years ago. The search is taking place in Balen, in the Kempen region, the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office confirmed, based on new information that has come to light in the investigation into the woman’s disappearance.
Three people were questioned by police on Thursday following an appeal for information last month. They include the former partner of the woman, who went missing in 2010 aged 26. The man, now 55, did not report her disappearance, which only came to light by chance last year via the school of one of her children.
The two other men are said to be friends of the partner. One of them, identified as 33-year-old Nick G, has a conviction for the murder of a friend in 2011, unrelated to the De Schepper case. He was released in 2021. He has been placed under arrest by the investigating judge on suspicion of murder. The other men were questioned on Thursday and Friday and were due to appear before a judge on Friday.
De Schepper was from Merksem and had been living in Balen with her partner and their three young children since 2008. She reportedly led an isolated existence and had been out of contact with her family since she was 18.
When her disappearance was established last year, her partner told police she had left overnight with all her belongings. He had not heard from her since then, he said, and raised the children himself.
#FlandersNewsService | Police carry out a search in Balen, 28 February 2025 © BELGA PHOTO JILL DELSAUX / Heidi De Schepper, who disappeared in 2010 aged 26 © BELGA HANDOUT
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